New Delhi: With the model code of conduct coming into effect, a number of websites of the Central Government, including that of the Prime Minister’s Office, have removed pictures of the Prime Minister as well as that of other Union ministers. However, some of the ministries are yet to do the same.
The code of conduct came into effect immediately after the Election Commission announced the schedule for the Lok Sabha polls on Sunday and shall remain in place till the process is over in May.
As per the code, the party in power, at Centre or states, have to ensure that it does not use its official position for campaigning.
Thus, no minister or any other Government agency can announce financial grants in any form.
Similarly, no project or scheme which may have the effect of influencing the voter in favour of the party in power can be announced.
In a written communication to the cabinet secretary and chief secretaries of states, the EC had asked them to ensure that photographs of “political functionaries” on official websites are removed.
