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ECI Enforces Model Code, Orders Removal of Ministers' Photos Online

The Election Commission of India has enforced the Model Code of Conduct following the announcement of Assembly election schedules. It has directed the immediate removal of ministers' photographs from official government websites. The Commission has also prohibited the combination of official ministerial visits with election campaigning and halted fresh fund releases under local area development schemes in poll-bound regions. These measures aim to ensure a level playing field and prevent the misuse of official resources during the election period.

Key Points: ECI Enforces Model Code, Removes Ministers' Photos from Sites

  • MCC enforced for 5 states & Puducherry polls
  • Ministers' photos must be removed from official websites
  • No fresh MPLADS/MLALADS fund release in poll areas
  • Official visits cannot be combined with electioneering
2 min read

ECI enforces MCC, orders removal of ministers' photos from govt websites

ECI enforces MCC for upcoming polls, bans ministers' photos on govt websites, halts MPLADS funds, and restricts official visits for campaigning.

"Activities for expenditure monitoring and enforcement of the MCC... must be activated immediately after the announcement - ECI"

New Delhi, March 15

The Election Commission of India on Sunday enforced the Model Code of Conduct soon after announcing the schedule for Assembly elections in five states and one Union Territory, imposing curbs on the release of funds under MLA and MP local area development schemes and directing the removal of ministers' photographs from official websites.

Apart from Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, which are heading for Assembly elections between April 9 and April 23, the ECI also issued MCC enforcement directives to six states where by-elections will be held for eight Assembly seats during this period. The results will be announced on May 4.

In identical letters to the Union Cabinet Secretary and the Chief Secretaries of the poll-bound states, the ECI sought immediate implementation of MCC provisions related to the prevention of defacement of private and public property, misuse of public spaces, misuse of official vehicles, advertisements at the cost of the public exchequer, and removal of photographs of political functionaries from official websites.

"Activities for expenditure monitoring and enforcement of the MCC -- including flying squads, FSTs and video surveillance teams - as well as intensive checking for liquor, cash and contraband drugs must be activated immediately after the announcement," the ECI said in the letter.

The poll panel also directed that a 24x7 control room at the district level be activated immediately, with sufficient manpower and logistical support ensured by the District Election Officer (DEO) and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).

The Commission also instructed that after the enforcement of the MCC, ministers shall not combine their official visits with electioneering work and must not use official machinery or personnel for election-related activities.

It further cautioned that government transport, including official aircraft, vehicles, machinery and personnel, must not be used to further the interests of the party in power.

Regarding development projects, the ECI said no fresh release of funds under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (including Rajya Sabha members) or MLAs' or MLCs' local area development schemes will be permitted in any part of the country where elections are underway until the completion of the election process.

The Commission also directed the constitution of a screening committee under each state's Chief Secretary to examine proposals related to the MCC received from the CEO or various departments before forwarding them to the Commission.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good decision! Finally, some action to ensure a level playing field. The directive to stop fresh funds under MP/MLA schemes is crucial. So many announcements are made just before elections. Let's hope the screening committees do their job properly. 🙏
R
Rohit P
Strict MCC enforcement is the need of the hour. The focus on checking liquor, cash, and drugs is spot on. These are the real tools used to influence voters, especially in rural areas. The 24x7 control room is a good idea, but will it be truly independent?
S
Sarah B
While the intent is good, I'm a bit skeptical about the implementation. These rules exist every election, but we still see violations. Will flying squads be able to act against powerful ministers? The proof will be in the polling.
V
Vikram M
The order about not combining official visits with campaigning is excellent. So many times we see inaugurations and foundation stones laid just before votes. This should curb that "announcement culture" during election time. ECI is doing its job, now parties must follow.
K
Kavya N
As a citizen from one of the poll-bound states, I appreciate this. It feels like the government machinery is always in election mode. This directive to separate the two is a relief. Hope it leads to a cleaner, issue-based election debate. 🤞

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