TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The 70-day old Lok Sabha election model code of conduct, imposed in Goa on March 5, has been relaxed by the Election Commission of India to carry out pre monsoon works at the request of the State government. The EC relaxed the code from April 25 in the state, where polling for parliamentary elections was held on April 12.
Joint Chief Electoral Officer Narayan Navti confirmed that the election code of conduct for Goa has been relaxed at the request of State government, which was finding it difficult to carry out several pre-monsoon and other developmental works due to the code being in force. The State government request was communicated to EC, which then granted relaxation, Navti said. Darsuo Thang, Under Secretary, Election Commission, has communicated this to the State CEO in a letter.
The model code of conduct for the entire country was enforced from March 5 to May 16, the day when the election results will be declared.
Sources said that CEO in its letter to EC had said that there was no possibility of officers or non-officers influencing the outcome of the elections in Goa or in other States.
CEO Keshav Chandra had requested the EC to relax the model code of conduct since the elections were held in a single phase, peacefully in the entire State on April 12. The relaxation would help the government to carry on its normal development works in the next couple of days.
Not relaxing the code could come in the way of initiating significant programmes such as drinking water supply and power supply, Chandra had said.
Navti said that CEO office has been receiving several request seeking permissions to carry out pre-monsoon and other related works. Considering the upcoming academic year, there are also requests from educational institutions to grant permissions for repair and maintenance of school premises, recruitment of teachers, promotions etc.
Earlier this month EC cleared Rs 150 crore worth project proposals that include pre-monsoon works, hot-mixing of roads, construction of retaining walls and other developmental works that need to be completed before the monsoon.
Commission had cleared total 60 proposals received from various departments such as PWD, water supply and irrigation, Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation and also from CCP. It had also granted approval for promotion and recruitment of over 20 teachers, claiming that the decision has been taken in the interest of students.
