Can Employees Run for Local Elections Without Resigning? Seeking HR Advice

Clarification Needed on Employees Contesting in Local Elections

This is Ramu. I am working as AM-HR in a manufacturing unit at Vijayawada. I need clarification on contesting in the local body election by company employees. Can any employee, either permanent, temporary, or casual, contest in the local body elections as a ward member or sarpanch? Can we ask them to resign?

Some of our mill workers are contesting in local body elections at their villages without informing us. I request the respected seniors to give your valuable advice on this issue and what steps should be taken.

With regards,
Ramu

I personally feel that such matters are decided through certified standing orders. Further, to participate in local body elections, one should not resign from the existing position. Moreover, an intimation to the unit head will suffice, who will assent to it with some conditions.

Regards,
K. Srinivas

As per the law, no government servant can participate in any elections. However, private employees can participate in elections. After the results are declared, if he/she is elected, he/she must resign from their duties.

Regards,
Lakshminaryana
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]

Any private employee may participate in elections, but they have to give an undertaking to the management that if they get elected, they can resign from the current job and take up the elected position. The individual cannot continue as an employee in a firm.

Regards,
Chakrapani TVV

Management's Concerns About Employee Participation in Elections

The concern of the management is whether participation in or winning an election will hamper the work an employee is supposed to do. Hence, it requires means and methods to ensure that the organization's interests are not compromised by a person taking on a local body role. Often, these roles do not require full-time participation. However, you need to check whether your appointment letter clearly states that you should not be involved in these activities. You also need to clarify the role and understand what will happen if the employee wins and is elected as a sarpanch, etc.

Regards