SHILLONG: The State Election department will examine whether the announcement of Union DoNER Minister Jitendra Singh to have a new medical college in the State comes under the violation of election model code of conduct.
On the sidelines of an official function at NEC here on Saturday, the Union DoNER minister had told reporters that a medical college will come up in the State on a public-private- partnership (PPP), but he did not mention in which part of the State the proposed institute will come up. He only stated that Chief Minister Mukul Sangma had discussed the matter with him.
The model code of conduct came into force on April 19, the day of announcement of by-poll for Tura Lok Sabha seat.
The press note issued on April 19 by the Election Commission of India said that the model code of conduct will come into force “in districts in which the whole or any part of the Parliamentary Constituency going for by election is included”.
When contacted on Sunday, State Chief Electoral Officer Frederick Kharkongor said as per his understanding since the Union minister did not mention anything about Garo Hills being the location for the medical college, the model code of conduct may not be applicable.
He did however mention that the matter would be examined for clarity’s sake.
Over 30 companies of central forces sought: The Chief Electoral Officer, meanwhile, said the projected requirement for holding by-poll scheduled for May 16 for the Tura seat is over 30 companies of central paramilitary forces.
He said that the requirement was sent to Delhi on Friday and a reply in this regard was awaited.
Several constituencies have been declared vulnerable due to the violent activities of various militant groups in Garo Hills.
