NEW DELHI: With the announcement of the 2025 Delhi Assembly election date, the Election Commission has imposed the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), and the Delhi government has quickly moved to implement strict directives aimed at curbing the misuse of public resources during the election period.
The General Administration Department (GAD) issued a comprehensive set of instructions on Tuesday, detailing the restrictions on the sanctioning of funds, work orders, and use of government vehicles by officials, ministers, and the Chief Minister (CM). These measures are intended to ensure a level playing field and prevent any undue political advantage during the campaign.
The GAD’s orders made it clear that no fresh funds can be sanctioned under any existing schemes, and no new work orders or tenders can be issued during the election period.
No new scheme will be approved or funded, and if a scheme has already received approval but the tender process hasn’t started, it will remain on hold. Even if a tender has been floated and a contract awarded, work cannot commence until after the election process is over. Any work that was set to begin but has not yet physically started as of January 6, 2025, will be delayed indefinitely.
Additionally, all departments and executing agencies have been instructed to submit a status report on ongoing works, particularly those under the Members of Legislative Assembly Local Area Development (MLALAD) scheme.
The government also issued specific instructions regarding the conduct of the CM, ministers, and the Leader of Opposition’s (LoP) personal staff.
“They shall not be a member of, or otherwise associated with, any political party or any organisation that takes part in politics, nor shall they take part in, subscribe in aid of, or assist in any manner, any political movement or activity,” the instructions read.
One of the most significant restrictions imposed relates to the use of official vehicles. The Delhi government clarified that no government-owned, hired, or controlled vehicles will be allowed for election-related purposes. This includes vehicles from public sector undertakings, local bodies, and other state-funded entities.
In a bid to prevent any misuse of authority, the directive also bans the use of pilot cars or any vehicle with beacons or sirens, even for security purposes. The government has instructed that armed personnel and security convoys cannot use official vehicles for campaigning or electioneering activities, regardless of security concerns.
Key restrictions imposed ahead of polls
No new funds will be disbursed under any government scheme ahead of the elections.
The government will not sanction or provide administrative approval for starting any new schemes during the election period.
No new tenders will be issued by government departments, restricting any new procurement processes.
Work that has been tendered but not yet awarded will not be processed until after the election.
Personal staff of the Chief Minister, ministers, and Leader of Opposition are prohibited from acting as election agents, polling agents, or counting agents for candidates.
A strict ban has been imposed on the use of official vehicles for electioneering or campaigning purposes.
Government officials eligible to vote are prohibited from revealing or indicating how they intend to vote or how they have voted.
No advertisements highlighting government achievements will be allowed in the media at public expense during the election period.