Pune Collector Imposes Ban on Teachers from Campaigning During Election Duties

In a bid to uphold the impartiality of the electoral process, the Pune district collector, Suhas Diwase, has issued a stern directive prohibiting teachers deployed on election duties from engaging in any form of election campaigning or partisan activities. The move aims to ensure that educators, who play a crucial role in shaping public opinion, remain neutral and focused solely on their designated responsibilities during the electoral process.

Key Points:

1. Deputation to Election Commission: Diwase emphasized that all officers, including teachers, involved in election duties are deputed to the Election Commission of India (ECI). This underscores their obligation to adhere strictly to the guidelines set forth by the electoral body.
2. Restrictions on Political Activities: School and college teachers assigned to election duties are explicitly barred from participating in election campaigns, attending political rallies, or undertaking any tasks on behalf of contesting candidates. Violation of these restrictions could result in disciplinary action being taken against them.
3. Legal Framework: The directive is reinforced by the provisions outlined in the Representation of People Act, 1950, which places all officers engaged in election duties directly under the jurisdiction of the ECI. Any deviation from the prescribed conduct is subject to scrutiny and potential repercussions.
4. Supervision by Election Commission: The Election Commission of India will closely monitor the activities of teachers deployed for election duties. Any complaints regarding their involvement in political campaigning or dereliction of duty will be promptly investigated, with appropriate action taken against offenders.
5. Zero Tolerance for Violations: Diwase emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the electoral process and asserted that any instances of misconduct will be dealt with swiftly and decisively. While no complaints have been received thus far, teachers are reminded of their contractual obligations and the consequences of breaching them.

Response from Teachers’ Unions:

Despite the directive, certain teachers’ unions have voiced their opposition to being deployed for election duties. They argue that teachers, who are often associated with various political organizations, may inadvertently become embroiled in partisan activities. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the disruption of regular academic duties and the potential exploitation of teachers for political purposes.

Rashmi Shelar, a retired Zilla Parishad teacher, highlighted the longstanding contributions of teachers to the electoral process and expressed reservations about their compulsory involvement in election duties. Shelar emphasized that many teachers have remained uninvolved in election-related tasks for years and called for a reconsideration of the directive in light of these concerns.