holding elective offices in Government cooperative societies

(15) Rule 15 of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 - Clarification regarding

The Staff Side in the National Council (JCM), has pointed out that officials in some of the Departments are being prohibited from holding elective offices in Government cooperative societies and in that context has urged for suitable amendment to Rule 15 of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964. The Official Side, while holding that no amendment of the rule is necessary has however, agreed to issue clarificatory instructions in the matter.

2. Rule 15(1)(c) of the CCS (Conduct) Rules provides for previous sanction of the Government being taken by a Government servant for holding an elective office in any body, whether incorporated or not. Rule 15 (2) (d) provides that a Government servant may, without previous sanction of the Government take part in the registration, promotion or management (not involving the holding of elective office) of a literary, scientific or charitable society or of a club or similar organization, the aims or objects of which relate to promotion of sports, cultural or recreation activities, registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1960 or any law for the time being in force. Thus, there is no bar, as such, on a Government servant holding an elective office and the rules only provide for previous sanction of the Government being taken for this purpose. Holding an elective office in a body or society covered under Rule 15 (1) (c) and 15 (2) (d) would generally involve exercise of some administrative responsibilities in that organization. Subject to the administrative authority satisfying itself that this will not interfere in any manner with the discharge of official duties by the Government servant concerned, the question of permitting Government servants to hold elective office can be considered.

3. The position under the rules, as clarified in the preceding para, may be kept in view by the Ministries/Departments while considering the requests of Government servants for permission to seek/hold elective office in a body or society covered under Rule 15 (1) (c) and 15 (2) (d) of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964.

[DOPT OM No. 35014/6/92-Estt.(A), dated 10.06.1993]