Chennai, March 25 (NationPress) An influential organization representing ministerial staff within Tamil Nadu's municipal corporations has reached out to the Election Commission of India (ECI) for special approval to carry out a long-overdue government directive on promotions that has been hindered by the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in anticipation of the Assembly elections.

In a comprehensive appeal directed to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, State Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik, and Chief Secretary N. Muruganandham, the Tamil Nadu Municipal Corporation Ministerial Staff Association has requested the authorities to permit the state government to proceed with the promotion process, highlighting the significant delays and increasing discontent among employees.

The association claims that numerous staff members have been waiting for promotions for several years, with their career advancement now trapped in a policy and procedural stalemate. This predicament arose after the introduction of the Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies Rules, 2023, which established new eligibility criteria, including enhanced qualifications, service requirements, and compulsory departmental examinations.

R. Subramanian, the founder-president of the association, mentioned that while amendments were made in March 2025 to alleviate some issues, several practical challenges remain unresolved.

Importantly, the syllabus for the newly mandated departmental tests was approved only in April 2025, providing employees with minimal time to prepare and qualify.

“The current criteria are unfeasible to meet within such a limited timeframe, rendering the process impractical for many qualified staff,” the association stated in its appeal.

Invoking provisions in the rules that allow for relaxation due to implementation difficulties, the association has proposed a one-time exemption.

It has requested that promotions be conducted under the previous Tamil Nadu Municipal Corporation Service Rules of 1996, which were effective until March 2023, to ensure equity for current employees. However, the declaration of the MCC on March 15, in light of the upcoming April 23 Assembly elections, has effectively halted all such administrative actions, as promotions necessitate prior approval from the ECI during the election period.

The association has now sought urgent intervention, arguing that ongoing delays are negatively impacting employee morale and administrative effectiveness. They have also suggested that any subsequent transfers resulting from promotions could be postponed until after the electoral process concludes.

As the elections approach, the decision now lies with the ECI regarding whether to grant an exemption in what the association describes as a long-standing and valid administrative issue.