Parties told to obtain permission before putting up banners, flags

SHILLONG, Jan 3: Political parties are going all out in their campaign with banners, flags, hoardings and signage that are spread across different parts of the city and East Khasi Hills district as a whole.
The paraphernalia left after various programmes have, however, been reportedly causing people inconveniences, while permission to put them up is also not obtained from the authorities.
In view of this, the District Election Officer of East Khasi Hills has directed all political parties to obtain written permission from the office of the Deputy Commissioner (Elections) prior to putting up flags, banners and signage, and that such items be removed immediately on completion of the programme or as per the specified terms.
The order stated that political parties fail to remove the paraphernalia, which subsequently causes inconvenience to the general public, particularly in thoroughfares of the city. Moreover, party flags, banners and hoardings have also been put up on some public utilities without the permission from concerned authority, it said.
It pointed out that signage and flags have also been put up on government premises and establishments, which is against the established rules and guidelines of the Election Commission of India.