Shillong: In view of the upcoming Bye-Election, 2016 to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council, the District Council Affairs Department have issued instructions to be strictly followed by all concerned contesting candidates/political parties in the interest of free and fair elections.
The respective Deputy Commissioners and Returning Officers shall regulate the number of vehicles allowed to be utilized by contesting candidates and permission for use of loud speakers/P.A. System etc., by keeping in mind the spirit of the Election Commission of India’s Model Code of Conduct on the matter.
The Order also states that no fresh release of funds under the MLAs’ Local Area Development Fund and MPs’ Local Area Development Fund (whether Central or State scheme) shall be made by any Department till the completion of the election process. No work, for which the work orders had been issued but the work has actually not started in the field before the issue of the Notification for calling the constituencies to elect their representatives under Rule 126 (1), should be started. Such work(s) can be started after the completion of the election process. However, if the work has actually started, this can continue.
Ceremonies for laying of foundation stones and announcement of any new schemes funded under the State Plan in respect of the Districts comprised within the Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills Districts should be kept on hold till the election process is over. Announcement of any new schemes to be implemented by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council or award of any contract, settlement of any agreement with any party(ies) etc., should be kept on hold till the completion of the Election process.
The above instructions shall be applicable only in the areas falling in the District Council Constituency/Constituencies going for bye-election and Not in the entire District(s) in which such constituency(ies) is situated.
Use of Official Government vehicles/official vehicle allotted to CEMs/EMs/Chairman etc., of the KHADC and JHADC by contesting candidates is strictly prohibited during the period after the announcement of the election till the election process is over. Further, it has also been decided that cash money in excess of Rs. 50,000 (Rupees fifty thousand) only to be carried by contesting candidate or their supporters shall be confiscated.
These orders will take effect from 21st November, 2016. (MIPR)
Discussion about this post