The Hindu : Front Page : Model code compliance under close scrutiny

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Mar 04, 2006

Front Page

Front Page

Model code compliance under close scrutiny

Special Correspondent

Instructions cover use of official vehicles, fresh release of funds

Naresh Gupta.

CHENNAI: Chief Electoral Officer Naresh Gupta on Friday said the Election Commission (EC) and the State electoral machinery would closely monitor the implementation of the model code of conduct, which came into force on Thursday.

Releasing the Election Commission's instructions on tours of Central and State Ministers to the press here, he said that he hoped that the guidelines would be strictly followed.

The instructions elaborately covered among other things use of official vehicles, fresh release of funds, announcing financial grants or promises and issuing advertisements at the cost of public exchequer.

When asked about the charge that police intelligence was spreading rumours that Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader Vaiko was quitting the Democratic Progressive Alliance, Mr.Gupta said that it had to be seen whether there was any code violation. To another query, he said the Election department did not receive any complaint in this regard.

On the alleged extension of service given to four Superintendents of Police, he said the Election Commission would take a view on the issue after gathering details. Instructions relating to transfer of police officers had been complied with. Transfer of revenue officials connected with the rolls revision work would come into effect after March 7. Distribution of Electors Photo Identity Cards would go beyond March 31 to cover the maximum number of voters. The process of identifying sensitive areas was on. The Election Commission would decide on deployment of Central paramilitary forces, he said.

Replying to queries on restrictions on use of official vehicles, Mr.Gupta said in case of violations, the vehicles involved would be impounded, he said. On wall writings and pasting of posters, Mr.Gupta said District Election Officers and Superintendents of Police would take action, if political parties failed to erase them. On the rolls revision work, he said two officials from Andhra Pradesh would oversee the verification process in Tirupur and Theni.

"If a Union Minister is travelling out of Delhi on purely official business, which cannot be avoided in public interest, a letter certifying to this effect should be sent from the concerned Secretary of the Department to the Chief Secretary, with a copy to the Commission," he said.

A senior Election Commission official in Delhi, when contacted, said officials, especially those involved in the electoral process in the States going to the polls also come under close scrutiny.

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