The Hindu : Polls in State to cost Rs. 80 crores

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Mar 05, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Polls in State to cost Rs. 80 crores

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, MARCH 4. The Chief Electoral Officer, M. Narayana Rao, on Thursday said, Rs. 80 crores would be required for conducting simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and Assembly in the State, exclusive of expenditure on security.

In an informal meeting with media persons, Mr. Rao said a campaign, was now on to familiarize people throughout the State with the use of Electronic Voting Machines. As for officials, the training on its usage has already commenced.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has allotted 1,25,000 Electronic Voting Machines to the State for the coming elections.

Complaints on violation of the Model Code of Conduct were being referred to the District Election Officers concerned for appropriate action as per Election Commission of India guidelines.

He said cut outs, gates and arches were totally prohibited and District Election Officers were taking steps to remove all of them.

Display of advertisements and hoardings depicting the achievements of the Government at the cost of the public exchequer was also not permitted, he pointed out.

But there was no restriction on e-mail and SMS publicity.

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Andhra Pradesh