References of ministers deleted from govt websites

Tribune News Service

Shimla, March 19

The pictures and names of Chief Minister and ministers have been deleted from official websites of government departments, corporations, boards and institutions following enforcement of model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha elections.

All references and pictures of politicians and ministers would remain deleted from official websites till the election process is completed. The Election Commission has issued clear instructions in this regard, noting that many departments of state and the Central government had not implemented the instructions of the Commission and reiterated that the clause VII(iv) of Model Code of Conduct for guidance of political parties was clear in this regard.

The commission had noted that in many cases, the ministers and politicians were claiming the achievement of the government as their personal achievement on official websites which amounted to breach of code of conduct.

The instructions further said that the party in power would ensure that no cause is given for any complaint that it has used its official position for the purpose of election campaign in particular.

Further, the ruling party would scrupulously avoid issue of advertisement at the cost of state exchequer in newspapers and other media and not misuse the official media for the purpose of elections.