Material for Ethics Paper ( holding a post in cooperative societies )

As a number of references are being received in this Department regarding the need for obtaining permission by Government servants to hold elective offices in Cooperative Societies and other bodies, the necessity to reiterate the relevant provisions of the CCS(Conduct) Rules, 1964 has been felt. Rule 15(1) (c) of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 provides that no Government servant shall, except with the previous sanction of the Government hold an elective office, or canvass for a candidate or candidates for an elective office, in any body, whether incorporated or not. Under Rule 15 (2)(d), a Government servant may, without the previous sanction of the Government, take part in the registration, promotion or management (not involving the holding of an elective office) of a literary, scientific or charitable society or of a club or similar organization, the aims or objects of which relate to promotion of sports, cultural or recreational activities, registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (21 of 1860), or any other law for the time being in force. Rule 15 (2)(e) provides that no previous permission is required for taking part in the registration, promotion or management (not involving the holding of elective office) of a co-operative society substantially for the benefit of Government servants, registered under the Cooperative Societies Act, 1912 (2 of 1912), or any other law for the time being in force. 2. It needs to be stressed that the entire time of the Government servant should be available to the Government and that no activities unconnected with his or her official duties should be allowed to interfere with the efficient discharge of such duties. All Ministries are requested to ensure that the participation of Government servants in the activities of cooperative societies conform to the above provisions and does not interfere with the discharge of their official duties.