Sir, Now that the poll date has been announced, the model code of conduct has come into force. It is pleasing to note that officials are taking firm action on political bigwigs not adhering to these rules. Kudos to these bureaucrats! I also notice that the street name-boards which have the local Corporator’s and MLA’s names printed on them have been covered by non-transparent brown coloured sticker papers. Does this mean that once the election is over, the sticker would be removed? Whole purpose of the street name-board is to identify the streets and not to be used as a bill board for politicians. I firmly believe that if not advertising one's name in public property prior to the election is against the model code of conduct, it should be against the model code conduct at all times. The same model code of conduct should apply to bureaucrats also. The other day, I noticed a big car with SWR board parked right in front of the entrance (practically blocking the entrance) of a shopping mall, at a T-junction and definitely a “No Parking” area. The parking lights were on, engine on, a/c on, music system on and driver was relaxing in a reclining position! The official is probably entitled to use his official car for private purposes but definitely not entitled to break the traffic rules particularly inconveniencing other citizens. The official could have easily ordered his driver to park at a designated parking place and the official could have called him in his mobile when he had finished shopping. As a bureaucrat moves higher up, he MUST follow the model code of conduct more consciously.
- U.B. Acharya, Jayalakshmipuram, 7.4.2018
