TFP Bureau, Raipur; March 7, 2024: Chief Electoral Officer Mrs. Reena Babasaheb Kangale convened a crucial meeting of all enforcement agencies on Wednesday to strategize and coordinate efforts for monitoring election expenditure during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Held at the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, the meeting saw a comprehensive review of the agencies’ performance in overseeing election expenditure during the state’s Assembly general elections in December 2023. Additionally, officers received training on the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) app and portal for enhanced monitoring capabilities. The review meeting was attended by Additional Chief Electoral Officer Mr. Nileshkumar Mahadev Kshirsagar and Joint Chief Electoral Officer Mr. P.S. Dhruv.
In her address, Chief Electoral Officer Mrs. Kangale underscored the importance of active and coordinated efforts by all enforcement agencies to ensure temptation-free, fair, and transparent elections. She emphasized the need for seamless communication and information exchange among agencies to effectively monitor election expenditure. Mrs. Kangale directed agencies to maintain vigilance over the transportation of cash, liquor, and valuables during the Model Code of Conduct period, urging them to submit daily reports on seizures and actions taken.
Furthermore, Mrs. Kangale instructed agencies to remain vigilant and proactive following the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct for the Lok Sabha elections, urging them to activate toll-free helplines and deploy adequate personnel for monitoring election expenditure. She emphasized the installation of cameras at Transport Department check-posts along inter-state borders and stressed the importance of ensuring citizens’ convenience during enforcement actions.
During the meeting, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Shri Apoorva Priyesh Toppo conducted training sessions on the ESMS app and web portal, providing detailed guidance on recording seizure information and subsequent actions taken by enforcement agencies. Representatives from various agencies, including Police, Income Tax, Enforcement Directorate, and Excise Department, among others, participated in the review meeting, highlighting the collaborative effort towards ensuring transparent and accountable electoral processes.
