Rule 32 — Rule 21 and Rule 21A deal with two distinct aspect

CCS Conduct Rulesccs-conduct

32 Rule 25 Repeal and Saving Repeals previous rules and provides for saving of existing actions. What does it cover? CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964- mutatis mutandis 23/03/2026, 13:35 Home | Institute of Secretariat Training & Management | Govt. of India https://www.istm.gov.in/home/css_conduct_rules 5/31
A Snapshot of CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 (An indicative Guide on Intimation, Permission, Conduct, and Prohibited Acts) This comprehensive appendix presents all major Conduct Rules for ready reference. It outlines what requires intimation, when permission is necessary, how conduct is to be maintained, and what acts are prohibited under each rule of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964. Rule No. How Conduct is to Be Maintained What Needs to Be Intimated Where Permission is to be solicited What Must Not Be Done Rule 3 Integrity, devotion for duty, neutrality, transparency, and Impartiality Declaration of private interests and conflicts. ---- Misuse of position or discrimination on any ground. Rule 3A Be prompt and courteous. ----. ---- Delay/dilatory tactics and discourtesy. Rule 3B Compliance to Government policies/ Instructions. ---- ---- Non-observance of prescribed policies. 23/03/2026, 13:35 Home | Institute of Secretariat Training & Management | Govt. of India https://www.istm.gov.in/home/css_conduct_rules 6/31
Rule No. How Conduct is to Be Maintained What Needs to Be Intimated Where Permission is to be solicited What Must Not Be Done Rule 3C Be mindful towards dignity of a women ---- ---- Any act or conduct of sexual harassment. Rule 4 Refrain from nepotism Employment of family in firm with official dealings. (Group-A) officers before family accepts such jobs. Use of influence for securing employment of relatives. Rule 5 Remain politically neutral. If family member joins politics. ---- Joining, canvassing, aid, donation to Political Party Rule 6 —-- —-- —-- Membership of associations prejudicial to Sovereignty, Integrity, Public Order and Morality. Rule 7 Maintain public order. ---- --- Participation in strike, demonstration against Sovereignty, Integrity and Public Order. Rule 8 ---- ---- Sanction to own/manage newspaper or media. ---- Rule 9 Exercise restraint and objectivity. ---- ---- Adverse criticism of Govt. policy. 23/03/2026, 13:35 Home | Institute of Secretariat Training & Management | Govt. of India https://www.istm.gov.in/home/css_conduct_rules 7/31
Rule No. How Conduct is to Be Maintained What Needs to Be Intimated Where Permission is to be solicited What Must Not Be Done Rule 10 Be truthful and factual. Report when giving evidence. Sanction to appear before non-Govt. Inquiries. Criticizing Govt. while giving evidence. Rule 11 Maintain confidentiality. ---- ---- Unauthorised disclosure of information Rule 12 ---- ---- Sanction for raising or accepting contributions. Unauthorised collection of funds. Rule No. How Conduct is to Be Maintained What Needs to Be Intimated Where Permission is to be solicited What Must Not Be Done Rule 13 ---- Report gifts exceeding ₹25,000 (Group-A), ₹15,000 (Group-B), ₹7,500. (Group-C)- On Customary Occasions* As on date Permission for noncustomary/religious occasion. ₹5000/- for Group-A & Group-B ₹2000/- for Group C Accepting gifts or hospitality from official contacts. Rule 13A Maintain propriety in marriage matters. ---- ---- Indulgence in dowry. Rule 14 ---- ---- Sanction to attend functions/testimonial ---- 23/03/2026, 13:35 Home | Institute of Secretariat Training & Management | Govt. of India https://www.istm.gov.in/home/css_conduct_rules 8/31
Rule No. How Conduct is to Be Maintained What Needs to Be Intimated Where Permission is to be solicited What Must Not Be Done Rule 15 Remain Committed to Govt. work Report family’s trade or business. Sanction for trade, employment, elective post, or media work. Engaging in trade or paid work without sanction. Rule 15A Use Govt. housing responsibly. ---- ---- Sub-letting or leasing allotted quarters. Rule 16 Maintain financial integrity. Report borrowing, lending and investment that may embarrass Govt. Sanction for borrowing/lending involving official contacts. Speculative investments Borrowing, Lending with persons having official dealings. Rule 17 Manage finances prudently. Report legal proceedings in Financial dealings ---- Habitual indebtedness or insolvency. Rule 18 Maintain transparency in ownership of movable and immovable. Declare all assets on appointment; Annual Return for Group A/B; movable transactions > 2 months’ Basic Pay. Sanction for immovable property dealings with official contacts. Concealment or unreported assets. Rule 18A ---- ---- Sanction for transactions abroad or with foreigners. Dealings with foreigners without sanction. 23/03/2026, 13:35 Home | Institute of Secretariat Training & Management | Govt. of India https://www.istm.gov.in/home/css_conduct_rules 9/31
Rule No. How Conduct is to Be Maintained What Needs to Be Intimated Where Permission is to be solicited What Must Not Be Done Rule 19 Use official channels, not public media. Report legal or media action for private character. Sanction to approach court/press for official vindication. Publicising official matters without sanction. Rule 20 Seek advancement by merit. ---- ---- Bringing external or political influence. Rule 21 ---- Intimate if marrying foreign national. Permission for marriage if spouse living in certain cases. Bigamy or marriage with foreigner without sanction. Rule 22 ---- ---- ---- Appearing intoxicated in public places. Rule 22A ---- ---- ---- Employing child under 14 years. Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 Nature & Scope Rule 1: General Principles and Conduct Guidelines Government servants hold a position of public trust and responsibility. Their conduct must reflect integrity, impartiality, and professionalism to uphold the credibility of the government and maintain public confidence. The CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, provide a structured framework to ensure that government employees perform their duties with the highest ethical standards . This chapter outlines the fundamental principles governing government 23/03/2026, 13:35 Home | Institute of Secretariat Training & Management | Govt. of India https://www.istm.gov.in/home/css_conduct_rules 10/31
servants, including their general conduct, observance of government policies, promptness, and workplace ethics. Rule 2: Definitions To ensure clarity in the application of conduct rules, the regulations define several key terms. Government servant: refers to any person serving under the Central Government, whether on a permanent, temporary, or contractual basis, excluding those specifically exempted, such as members of the All India Services, Defence Services, and Railway Services2 . Government: refers to the Government of India, including its ministries, departments, and attached offices. Prescribed authority: refers to the competent authority designated to enforce specific provisions of these rules. The definition of family: is very wide under Conduct Rules. The Family includes spouse, dependent children (whether married or unmarried), stepchildren, and other dependents by blood or marriage living with or financially supported by the government servant3 . Member of family: refers to individuals whose financial or professional engagements may impact the government servant’s duties, making them subject to restrictions on property transactions, financial dealings, and business engagements. Public place: refers to any location accessible to the general public, including government offices, markets, parks, transport hubs, and institutions. Sexual harassment: includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature in the workplace4 . These definitions provide a foundational understanding of how the rules apply and ensure uniform interpretation and enforcement across government offices. 23/03/2026, 13:35 Home | Institute of Secretariat Training & Management | Govt. of India https://www.istm.gov.in/home/css_conduct_rules 11/31
1 Government of India. (1964). Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, Rule 1. Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. 2 Ibid., Rule 2(c). 3 Ibid., Rule 2(b). 4 Government of India. (2013). Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, Sections 2
(n) & 3. Rule 3: General Conduct A government servant must always uphold integrity, honesty, and devotion to duty. Their actions should reflect impartiality and fairness, ensuring that government work is carried out transparently and without personal bias5 . Employees must act in a way that maintains the dignity of public service, avoiding conduct that is unbecoming of their position. They are expected to adhere to government policies, perform duties efficiently, and not misuse their position for personal gain. Engaging in corrupt practices, favoritism, or any form of discrimination is strictly prohibited. Every government servant must ensure that their personal beliefs and affiliations do not interfere with their official responsibilities and public discourse. Some Fundamentals of Conduct by the Government Servants: Rule 3A: Promptness and Courtesy Government servants must be responsive and professional in all their interactions, ensuring efficiency in governance and public service delivery. Employees are required to respond promptly to official communications, public grievances, and service-related requests. Deliberate delays in decision-making or service delivery erode public trust and are considered misconduct6. Professionalism and courtesy must be maintained when interacting with the public, colleagues, subordinates, and higher authorities. Government servants should communicate respectfully, listen to concerns, and provide assistance without bias or hostility. 23/03/2026, 13:35 Home | Institute of Secretariat Training & Management | Govt. of India https://www.istm.gov.in/home/css_conduct_rules 12/31
Failure to adhere to these expectations may lead to disciplinary action, as delays or discourteous behavior impact the effectiveness of public administration. Rule 3B: Observance of Government Policies Government servants must strictly adhere to and implement government policies in their official capacity. Their actions should align with the objectives and directives of the government, ensuring efficient execution of programs and policies7 . Employees are not permitted to publicly oppose government policies, create obstacles in policy implementation, or influence decision-making based on personal biases. Even if a government servant disagrees with a policy, they must use internal channels to express their concerns rather than making public statements. All decisions should be taken based on official guidelines, precedence, and prescribed procedures, avoiding arbitrary actions. This ensures consistency and uniformity in governance. 5 CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, Rule 3(1). 6 Ibid., Rule 3A. 7 Ibid., Rule 3B. Rule 3C: Prohibition of Sexual Harassment of Working Women Government offices must provide a safe, inclusive, and harassment-free environment for all employees, particularly women. Any form of sexual harassment, gender discrimination, or inappropriate behavior is strictly prohibited8 . Sexual harassment includes unwelcome physical contact, sexually suggestive remarks, inappropriate comments, requests for sexual favors, or any behavior that creates an intimidating or offensive work environment. 23/03/2026, 13:35 Home | Institute of Secretariat Training & Management | Govt. of India https://www.istm.gov.in/home/css_conduct_rules 13/31
Supervisory officers and department heads are responsible for ensuring a zerotolerance policy against sexual harassment, taking swift action against offenders. Complaints should be addressed promptly, in accordance with government-prescribed mechanisms for workplace safety and grievance redressal2 . Government servants must be aware that failure to prevent or report harassment may also invite disciplinary action. Workplace dignity and professionalism are essential for an effective and ethical government administration. This chapter outlines the fundamental principles that govern the behavior of government servants, emphasizing integrity, efficiency, courtesy, adherence to policies, and workplace ethics. These rules establish the framework for responsible governance, ensuring that government employees maintain public trust and professionalism. Political Neutrality and Public Engagement A government servant is expected to remain impartial and politically neutral in order to maintain the integrity of public administration. The CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, prohibit government employees from engaging in political activities, participating in strikes or demonstrations, and publicly expressing views that may compromise their role as impartial administrators . This chapter outlines the restrictions on employment of family members, political participation, membership in associations, demonstrations, and engagement with the media. Rule 4: Employment of Members of Family in Companies or Firms To prevent conflicts of interest, government servants must ensure that their family members’ employment does not interfere with official duties or create a situation where undue influence is exercised. A government servant must not allow their spouse or any family member dependent on them to accept employment in a company or firm that has official dealings with the government without prior approval from the prescribed authority. If a close family member is already employed in such an organization, the government servant must promptly inform the competent authority11. 23/03/2026, 13:35 Home | Institute of Secretariat Training & Management | Govt. of India https://www.istm.gov.in/home/css_conduct_rules 14/31
The objective of this rule is to ensure that government servants do not engage in nepotism, favoritism, or unethical influence in official dealings with private entities. 8 Ibid., Rule 3C. 9 Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. (2014). OM No. 11013/2/2014-Estt.(A-III), Guidelines on Prevention of Sexual Harassment. 10 Government of India. (1964). Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, Rule 5. Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. Rule 5: Taking Part in Politics and Elections Government employees must maintain strict political neutrality and are prohibited from taking part in political activities. A government servant shall not be a member of any political party, nor shall they assist or be associated with political organizations engaged in political activities. Government servants must not participate in political campaigns, rallies, protests, or demonstrations, and they must not publicly express their support or opposition to any political party or cause 12. Although government servants have the right to vote, they must exercise this right wit

What This Means

Rule 21 and Rule 21A deal with two distinct aspects of personal conduct relating to marriage. Rule 21 requires that a government servant who intends to marry a foreign national must obtain prior permission from the competent government authority. The rationale is rooted in national security: a marriage to a foreign national can create loyalties, financial links, or information-sharing risks that might compromise the government servant's impartiality or security clearances. This is particularly important for officials handling sensitive, classified, or strategic information. The rule is not designed to restrict personal freedom but to ensure that the government is aware of and has evaluated any potential conflict.

Rule 21A prohibits bigamous marriages. A government servant who is already married and contracts a second marriage while the first spouse is still alive — without legally dissolving the first marriage — commits a disciplinary violation that can lead to removal from service. The rule applies regardless of the personal law of the employee, except in cases where personal law explicitly permits a second marriage (such as under certain Muslim personal law provisions). Even in such permitted cases, the rule requires prior permission from the government before contracting the second marriage. This ensures that the government has an opportunity to evaluate whether the second marriage raises any administrative concerns.

Both rules reflect the position that the private lives of government servants are not entirely insulated from the demands of public service. The standard of personal conduct expected of a civil servant extends beyond office hours and official duties — it encompasses their family and personal decisions as well, to the extent those decisions could affect their official integrity or public reputation.