How is the Lingering Model Code of Conduct Impeding Post-Election Governance in Rajasthan?

Jaipur- Despite the conclusion of Lok Sabha elections in Rajasthan in two phases on April 19 and April 26, the state's governance has hit a standstill as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) remains in effect. This regulatory framework, aimed at ensuring free and fair elections, has effectively halted the pace of governmental activities until the declaration of results on June 4th.

Since the imposition of the MCC, the wheels of governance have seemingly ground to a halt. Ministers find themselves unable to convene meetings or make policy decisions, contributing to a general stagnation in administrative proceedings. This paralysis is compounded by the absence of senior officials, many of whom are preoccupied with electoral duties either within Rajasthan or as observers in other states where polls are imminent.

As the MCC extends its reach, the adverse impact isn't limited to government agencies and employees alone. Traders and industry stakeholders find themselves bearing the brunt of prolonged regulatory constraints, with cash movement restrictions stifling trade activities during this period.

The MCC, a set of guidelines binding on all political parties and candidates, prohibits the government from taking any decisions that could influence voters during the election period. Consequently, routine governmental functions have been put on hold, leaving departments unable to progress on essential matters.

In Tamil Nadu, Traders and industry bodies have urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to lift the MCC following the conclusion of elections across all 39 Lok Sabha constituencies on April 19.

The Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) have criticized the prolonged restrictions, labeling them as "absurd" and a "violation of citizens' rights." Political parties argue that continuing the MCC hampers democratic processes and unnecessarily restricts cash movements exceeding 50 thousand rupees.

A District Education Officer in Western Rajasthan, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed the pervasive impact of the MCC on educational governance in the state. The officer disclosed that numerous sanctions and orders vital for the functioning of educational institutions are currently on hold due to the MCC's enforcement.

According to a senior IAS officer in Udaipur, the MCC has created a bottleneck wherein authorities are preoccupied with electoral activities, leaving essential educational matters unresolved.

Moreover, the officer highlighted that ministerial sanction is often a prerequisite for certain decisions, further complicating the situation. Until the MCC is lifted, the officer lamented, administrative machinery remains in a state of suspension, with critical directives awaiting implementation.

Delayed Decisions Await Model Code of Conduct Lift in Rajasthan

Amidst the persistent grip of the Model Code of Conduct, critical decisions and significant governmental matters are deferred, awaiting the removal of regulatory constraints.

Before the imposition of the code of conduct, the government had initiated an extensive exercise regarding the transfer policy of employees. All departments were actively engaged in providing their suggestions and inputs for this policy overhaul. With the code of conduct still in effect, the much-anticipated decision on this matter is expected to be deferred until its removal.

The Cabinet Sub Committee, entrusted with the task of reviewing decisions made by the previous government, had been diligently working within a three-month timeframe. Several meetings were convened to deliberate on crucial matters before the code of conduct took effect. Once the restrictions are lifted, the committee's report is poised to surface, potentially paving the way for significant alterations to previous governmental decisions.

Education Minister Madan Dilawar had expressed intentions to introduce a standardized uniform for all government and private schools across the state. However, the implementation of this proposal remains contingent upon the removal of the code of conduct, as decisions of such magnitude are currently suspended.

The government had presented an interim budget prior to the enforcement of the code of conduct, with plans to unveil the full-fledged budget by the end of June or July. While efforts are underway within the Finance Department to advance this process, substantial progress is expected only after the code of conduct ceases to be a constraint.

Plans for organizing an investment summit in December are underway within the state government. However, the formal announcement of this significant event is anticipated to occur subsequent to the lifting of the code of conduct.

Progress on the state government's flagship project, ERCP ( Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project) , has experienced a slowdown in pace amidst the restrictions imposed by the code of conduct. With the removal of this obstacle, momentum is expected to be regained, potentially accelerating the project's development.

Following the change in government, employees had anticipated large-scale transfers. However, due to time constraints, many applications could not be processed. With the conclusion of elections, the ban on transfers is slated to be lifted once again. This move is expected to facilitate the appointment of preferred officers and employees in the constituencies of the MLAs, fulfilling long-awaited personnel changes.

Government Works That Can Proceed During the Model Code of Conduct

During the Model Code of Conduct period, certain types of existing government works can proceed without requiring approval from the Election Commission. These include projects that have commenced on the ground after obtaining all necessary sanctions, as well as beneficiary-oriented projects where specific beneficiaries have been identified prior to the imposition of the Model Code of Conduct.

Furthermore, registered beneficiaries of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) may continue to be covered under existing projects. However, any new projects under MGNREGA must strictly adhere to the Act's provisions, ensuring that they benefit pre-registered beneficiaries and are already listed in the approved shelf of projects with allocated funds.

Additionally, new government works meeting specific criteria set forth before the Model Code of Conduct comes into effect can proceed with intimation to the Election Commission. These criteria include securing full funding, obtaining administrative, technical, and financial sanctions, as well as floating, evaluating, and awarding tenders. Moreover, there must be a contractual obligation to initiate and complete the work within a stipulated timeframe, with penalties imposed on contractors for non-compliance.

In cases where any of these conditions are not met, prior approval from the Election Commission is required before proceeding with the works during the Model Code of Conduct period.