Election Commission Intensifies Oversight to Curb Election Expenditure Irregularities
TFP Bureau, Raipur; August 26, 2023: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has underscored the necessity for enhanced vigilance to counter the transportation of liquor, drugs, cash, and freebies, as part of its commitment to closely monitor election expenditure. Chief Election Commissioner of India, Rajeev Kumar, alongside Election Commissioners Anoop Chandra Pandey and Arun Goyal, conducted a pivotal meeting with Collectors, Superintendents of Police, Divisional Commissioners, and Inspector Generals of Police across all districts of the Chhattisgarh state at Raipur on Friday. The meeting centered on meticulous review and assessment of district-level preparations for the forthcoming Assembly General Elections.
A primary point of discussion was the ongoing second special summary revision of the voter list within the state. The Election Commission accentuated the importance of ensuring the utmost purity and accuracy of the electoral roll. Commission members advocated for the revision process to be carried out meticulously, with a keen eye for precision and care. The status of printing and distribution of Electors’ Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) also came under scrutiny during the session.
The Election Commission issued a directive to rigorously monitor the movement of liquor, drugs, cash, and freebies in the state, with the intent of curbing any potential election expenditure violations. Authorities were urged to take swift action in such instances, even before the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct.
In an exhaustive day-long gathering, the Commission undertook a comprehensive review of various facets, including the arrangement, availability, and secure storage of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) at polling stations. Additionally, discussions encompassed matters related to human resources, vehicular resources, and the management of grievance redressal.
Chief Election Commissioner, Election Commissioner, and senior Commission officials delved into discussions concerning postal ballot requirements for the upcoming assembly elections. The meeting also delved into topics such as communication strategies, training protocols for election officers and personnel, law and order dynamics, and the implementation of Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) initiatives.
The gathering saw the presence of key figures including Senior Deputy Election Commissioners of Election Commission of India, Dharmendra Sharma, and Nitesh Vyas, along with Deputy Election Commissioners Hridesh Kumar, Manoj Kumar Sahu, R.K. Gupta, and B. Joshi. Joint Director Anuj Chandak, Under Secretary Ritesh Singh, Chief Electoral Officer of Chhattisgarh, Smt. Reena Babasaheb Kangale, and Security Nodal Officer O.P. Pal were also participants in the significant meeting.
