NIZAMABAD: Government employees are under the scanner for their alleged involvement in political activities during the Assembly elections. It has been decided to identify employees found cooperating with any political party directly or indirectly.
It is an open secret that a few officers at the mandal and district levels, are closely associated with politicians.
To avoid criticism and conduct the election process impartially, officials are taking utmost care in undivided Nizamabad district. Usually, a few MLAs pressurise officials for favours in developmental programmes and welfare schemes.
Reportedly, a few officials are in touch with elected representatives for day-to-day work. In view of the Assembly elections, political rivals will find out officials who favour particular political parties. To avoid conflict during the election process, district election officer and collector M. Rammohan Rao strictly warned officials to maintain a distance from political leaders. He said that erring employees will be suspended after issuing notices to them.
Following the directives of the Election Commission, officials began shifting long standing officers from their existing work places. Mandal parishad development officers have been transferred from Nizamabad to Kamareddy district and vice versa, and a few others shifted to neighbouring Medak district.
Police officers will also be shifted during the election process.
Meanwhile, a few overenthusiastic employees are posting comments on social media, either supporting a particular political party or criticising opponents.
In view of this, district election authorities are keeping a tab on social media postings. As per election norms no government employee should involve in political activities.
Officials are planning to issue notices to erring employees soon. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a TNGOs employees’ union leader said that officials and staff are maintaining a distance from elected representatives.
“We were told about the consequences if employees are found cooperating with any political party,” he said. Earlier, elected representatives brought pressure on officials asking for favours, but now officials are freed from tremendous pressure from leaders.
