A question of choice in Chhattisgarh

An order by Chhattisgarh’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government that at first glance seemed innocuous — and its hasty withdrawal — has triggered a debate on the political leanings of serving government employees.

On April 21, a circular issued by the General Administration Department — which comes under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai — stated that no government employee could become a member of any political party or organisation; participate in any of its activities; or hold office within it. Referring to the provisions of the Chhattisgarh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, it said that it was mandatory for all government servants to discharge the duties of their office with complete “impartiality, honesty, and integrity”. It also said that no government employee was to assume any position or responsibility that might affect his or her official duties. Further, the circular warned of action in accordance with the provisions of the Chhattisgarh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1965, and the Chhattisgarh Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1966 for violation of those rules.