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Squad formed to ensure enforcement of model code of conduct

Special Correspondent

Banners, cut-outs and flag masts of parties will be removed

Pondicherry: District Collector G. Theva Needhi Dhas said here on Friday that a multi-departmental squad had been formed to ensure that the model code of conduct was enforced in the Union Territory.

The squad was formed immediately after the Election Commission's announcement on March 1 of the poll schedule and the operation of the model code of conduct.

The squad would ensure that all banners, cut-outs and flag masts of parties erected and displayed at various centres were removed.

Addressing his first press conference on Friday after taking charge as Collector here at the Chief Secretariat, Mr. Dhas said the squad comprised personnel from the police and revenue departments and other wings of the Government.

The squad swung into operation on Thursday and removed 208 banners, 35 flag masts and seven cut-outs in Pondicherry.

He said no party would get permission to erect cut-outs and other publicity materials on Government buildings and roads.

If there was any violation, the authorities would book cases against defaulters and expenditure incurred on removing the cut-outs and other materials would be collected from parties.

Where private premises were sought to be used, permission should be obtained from the civic authorities and panchayats. The authorities would invoke the provisions of the Pondicherry Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 2000 to conduct drive against the display of banners and other materials.

The Collector said the media centre commissioned on the premises of the Chief Secretariat would function for twelve hours from 8 a.m.

Director of Information and Publicity S. Chandrasekaran was present.

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