PANJIM: The model code of conduct, in view of the panchayat polls in the State, has not stopped the government from making announcements that could attract censure from the State Election Commission (SEC).
The code has been in force since May 18, but ministers have carried on making announcements. For instance, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has announced the GPS fitting to ambulances to speed up response time, superspeciality courses at Goa Medical College and blood testing facility. Tribal Welfare Minister Govind Gaude promised that the Forest Rights Act will be implemented by December.
Speaking to Herald, State Election Commissioner R K Srivastava said that the model code of conduct booklet has been circulated to all elected representatives and all departments to avoid any kind of violation of code.
“The code and the conduct is the same as at the Assembly elections. They should not announce any new schemes, policies or programs which may influence voters,” he said.
He said the commission is not in receipt of any complaints of violation of code of conduct and that there is a unit in place to monitor the violations, as well as observers across the State.
As per the code of conduct the announcement of new projects, programmes, concessions or financial grants in any form or promises thereof or laying of foundation stones etc, which have the effect of influencing voters in favour of the party in power are prohibited.
