Rule 4 — CCS
Original Rule Text
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 .
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.
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 without publicizing their political preferences or influencing others in any manner. Any canvassing, fundraising, or public endorsement of political candidates is strictly prohibited.
By enforcing political neutrality, this rule ensures that government servants remain impartial and dedicated to their official duties, unaffected by political influences.