TFP Bureau, Raipur; February 29, 2024: Shri Nileshkumar Mahadev Kshirsagar, Additional Chief Electoral Officer, underscored the pivotal role of constituency officers in upholding the model code of conduct during elections. Addressing a one-day training session for district-level nodal officers and master trainers of Model Code of Conduct (MCC), Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC), and Expenditure Monitoring Committee (EMC), Shri Kshirsagar emphasized the need for officers at all levels to have a comprehensive understanding of the code of conduct to ensure its effective implementation.
The training session, attended by officials from 17 districts of the state, aimed to prepare officers for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Conducted under the guidance of Chief Electoral Officer Mrs. Reena Babasaheb Kangale, the training focused on equipping officers with the necessary knowledge and skills to enforce electoral protocols.
During the session, Master Trainers and officials provided technical and practical insights related to MCC, MCMC, and EMC. Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Shri U.S. Aggarwal highlighted that the model code of conduct becomes effective immediately upon the announcement of elections by the Election Commission of India. He outlined various prohibitions and guidelines to be followed, including restrictions on the use of government resources for political activities and monitoring of election-related expenses.
Officials also addressed queries from nodal officers and district-level master trainers, clarifying the scope of the model code of conduct and the responsibilities of electoral officials. Master trainers Mr. Dushyant Raist and Mr. Apoorva Priyesh Toppo elaborated on the duties of election expenditure monitoring committees, emphasizing the importance of verifying candidate expenses and ensuring compliance with regulations.
Assistant Chief Electoral Officer Mrs. Sharda Aggarwal briefed officers on the role of media certification and monitoring committees in overseeing political advertising across electronic, social, and print media platforms. She urged officers to coordinate effectively and take prompt action against violations of the model code of conduct, particularly in cases of suspected paid news.
The training session reflects the Election Commission’s commitment to ensuring free and fair elections by equipping officers with the necessary tools and knowledge to uphold electoral integrity.
