TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The Election Commission of India has limited the model code of conduct, as far as restrictions on developmental activities are concerned, to the jurisdiction of Panjim only. The order earlier covered the entire North Goa district.
Other provisions of the code such as restrictions on ministers’ tours, issuing government advertisements and use of government guest houses as also other restrictions would continue for the entire North Goa district.
The code of conduct came into effect from January 12, 2015 after the EC announced the Panaji by-poll for February 13. Counting has been slated for February 16.
The code of conduct restricts all development works including relief works and ban on transfer of officers, except officers directly concerned with the conduct of election only in the areas falling in the Panaji Assembly constituency.
“The restrictions would extend to implementation of rural development schemes, extending relief, starting works in case of natural calamities, drinking water, digging of bore-wells, providing fodder, agricultural inputs and subsidies to farmers, undertaking new developmental works (whether beneficiary or work oriented), including works under MPLAD, MLALAD scheme, announcement and commencement of new projects, programmes, concessions, financial grants, etc only in respect of areas falling in Panjim,” reads the press note.
There would however be no bar to release payments for completed works, for cleared schemes, funds provided or released, materials procured and reached the site.
“However, all other instructions of the commission on matters such as tours of ministers, vehicles, advertisements, use of government guest houses and all prevailing EC instructions other than those mentioned above, etc would continue to remain applicable to the entire north Goa district. In case of any doubt, clarifications could be sought from the office of CEO,” the press note adds.
Government servants are advised not to take part in canvassing or act as election agents, polling agents or counting agents of any candidate at the elections as this will invite penal action against them.
A committee has also been constituted to deal with applications by political parties and organizations for certifying any advertisement to be telecast on a television channel or cable network during the duration of the code of conduct.
