UGC Issues Directive to Remove Ministers' Photographs from University, College Websites

This action follows a letter received by the Ministry of Education from the Election Commission of India (ECI), emphasizing the need to adhere to electoral guidelines.

In a recent development, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a directive to all Vice Chancellors and principals of colleges and institutes across the nation regarding the removal of ministers' photographs from Central Government websites. This action follows a letter received by the Ministry of Education from the Election Commission of India (ECI), emphasizing the need to adhere to electoral guidelines.

The letter forwarded by the Ministry of Education highlights the instructions from the ECI concerning the removal of any references to ministers, politicians, or political parties from government websites. It underscores that such depictions are deemed a violation of the Model Code of Conduct established by the Election Commission.

"The Higher Educational Institutions are requested to disseminate the information and strictly follow the guidelines of ECI as issued from time to time," reads an excerpt from the UGC directive.

The Model Code of Conduct, as outlined by the Election Commission of India, explicitly states, "Photograph of political functionary at official website - ECI instruction contained in letter No. 437/6/INST/ECIPLINCT/MCC/2024(MCC ENFORCEMENT) dated 2nd January, 2024 provides that all references of Ministers, Politicians or political parties available on central/state Government's official website shall be removed."

This directive underscores the importance of maintaining political neutrality and adherence to electoral guidelines, particularly within the realm of higher education. It calls upon Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) to take immediate action to remove or hide any photographs of political functionaries from official government websites of state departments.