DHARWAD: There is no bar on undertaking development works that have been sanctioned in the context of the model code of conduct coming into force in view of the coming elections to the zilla and taluk panchayats.

A clarification to this effect was given here on Saturday by State Election Commissioner, M.R. Hegde, setting at rest all the confusion, which prevailed in the districts ever since the model code of conduct came into force.

Addressing a meeting of Deputy Commissioners and the election officials of the Belgaum Division to review the preparations for the zilla and taluk panchayat elections, Mr. Hegde said what had been barred under the code of conduct is not commencement of work, but of holding of functions to mark the same.

He told officials that the work of selection of polling booths should be completed before the nominations are received and that arrangements should be made to maintain law and order during the polling and counting of votes.

The officers entrusted with the election work should be directed to bring to the attention of the State Election Commission, any incidents taking place in the meantime.

Nandakumar, Secretary of the State Election Commission, said that it is mandatory that contesting candidates should file statement of election expenses within one month of the filing of nominations.

A ceiling of Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 50,000 has been fixed as election expenses for the zilla and taluk panchayat elections respectively.

The polling figures should be communicated expeditiously to the State Election Commission on the polling day itself.

The process of appointing the observers for the election was on, he said.

There are six national, one state and 26 other parties, which have been identified but did not have recognition, in the State, he said.

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