Our Bureau
TURA/NONGSTOIN/RESUBELPARA/NONGPOH/JOWAI/SHILLONG, March 18: The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is in place following the announcement of Lok Sabha polls and the general public across many districts have been notified by the respective district administrations to refrain from accepting any kind of bribe, if offered.
The District Election Officer (DEO) of West Khasi Hills has urged the general public not to accept cash, liquor, gift items or free food during the election process. Both the persons, offering and accepting such bribes are liable for punishment with imprisonment up to a year and fine, the DEO said.
Flying squads and surveillance teams have been formed to keep watch over such activities during the election process.
If detected, such incidents may be brought to the attention of the Complaint Monitoring Cell set up in the respective districts through a toll free number 1950 or on the cVIGIL application, which can be used for reporting poll-related violations.
In view of MCC, the district administrations of West Garo Hills, West Jaintia Hills, North Garo Hills, Ri-Bhoi have issued separate orders prohibiting writing on walls, pasting of posters or papers or defacement in any other form or erecting or displaying of cut-outs, hoarding, banners, flags, etc., on any government premises.
The orders also prohibit display of flags and banners in private premises except with voluntary written permission of the occupant or owner and displaying of flags and stickers in private vehicles. In case the owner of the vehicle on his own volition decides to display flag/stickers etc, the DM said they must ensure that they cause no inconvenience or distraction to other road users. “If such display of flags and stickers aims to solicit votes for any particular candidate, then the provisions of Section 171H of the IPC would be attracted,” an order by the district administration of West Garo Hills stated.
Display of flags, stickers etc, on commercial vehicles is also prohibited unless they are validly used for election campaign after obtaining the requisite permit from the District Election Officer or Returning Officer and the display thereof in original on the wind screen.
Besides, carrying of any type of arms and explosives in the entire district is also prohibited till the election process is over. The same is, however, not applicable for law enforcing authorities such as police personnel, Home Guards, Forest department, BSF and CPMF personnel.
Meanwhile, the District Election Officer of West Garo Hills, Jagdish Chelani said that along with the enforcement of MCC, flying squads, SST, video teams, besides intensive checking for liquor, cash, and contraband drugs by the flying squads have been enforced.
Moreover, the DEO said that the Excise department will check illicit trafficking of drugs, narcotics, illegal liquor, etc.
“No election meeting would be allowed without taking permission from the office of the District Magistrate and subsequently from the local headmen regarding the venue of the meeting. No PA system is allowed to be used between 10 pm and 6 am. In case of violation, the same would be seized immediately by the local authorities. No rallies and procession will be allowed without the permission from the District Magistrate. Cash above Rs 50,000 cannot be carried by the contesting candidates or supporters,” the district magistrate of West Jaintia Hills said in a separate order.
CEO inspects strong room
Meanwhile, the Chief Electoral Officer of Meghalaya, BDR Tiwari, on Saturday inspected the Strong Room at Polo Ground, Shillong, along with the District Election Officer, Additional Deputy Commissioner (EL), Assistant Commissioner (in charge of Strong Room) and Executive Engineer PWD (Buildings). The CEO instructed EE PWD (Buildings) to expedite the repair of the strong room with all safety measures. The CEO also reviewed the arrangements for Dispatch and Receiving Centre, Counting Centre and Polling Personnel welfare measures.