The Lok Sabha session on 26th July 2023 addressed questions related to the cooling off period for retired government officials in India. Ms. Chandrani Murmu inquired whether there is a cooling off period under the law that prohibits retired government officials from joining any political party and, if so, its duration. Additionally, she asked whether the government is contemplating introducing a cooling off period of two to three years for retired government officials.
Cooling off Period – Loksabha
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
(DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING)
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1039
(TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.07.2023)
COOLING OFF PERIOD
- MS. CHANDRANI MURMU:
Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:
(a) whether there is any cooling off period under the law which prohibits a retired Government official from joining any political party and if so, the duration of such cooling off period; and
(b) whether the Government is considering to introduce a cooling off period of two to three years for retired Government officials?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
(DR. JITENDRA SINGH)
(a): Rule 5 (1) of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 provides that no Government servant shall be a member of, or be otherwise associated with, any political party or any organisation which takes part in politics nor shall he take part in, subscribe in aid of, or assist in any other manner, any political movement or activity. However, these Rules are applicable only to the serving Government Officials.
(b): Insofar as Ministry Of Personnel, Public Grievances And Pensions is concerned, no such proposal is under consideration.
Source: Loksabha