SHIMLA: Acting swiftly, Himachal Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Dr Manish Garg today removed as many as 30369 hoardings, posters, banners and flags and wall writings of political parties and others publicity seekers across the state within 48 hours of announcement of elections enforcing Model Code of Conduct in the state.
According to Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Maneesh Garg here, these hoardings and other banners were removed in the matter of the defacement of public property and misuse of public space.
As a matter fact, the state and national highways, streets and mohalas in most parts of the state were bombarded by the political parties mainly the ruling BJP as an open sesame for displaying high-tech hoardings to woo the voters.
The Election Department has made elaborate arrangements for ensuring the effective implementation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) guidelines and any violation would be strictly dealt with.
Giving the details, CEO said as many as 3439 in Chamba, 4338 in Kangra, 498 in Lahaul-Spiti, 875 in Kullu, 3319 in Mandi, 1693 in Hamirpur, 6679 in Una, 698 in Bilaspur, 1302 in Solan, 3473 in Sirmaur, 3782 in Shimla and 273 hoardings, posters, banners and flags and wall writings in Kinnaur district have been removed.
Also, strict directions have been given to all departments regarding their websites not to have any photographs of political functionaries and compliance is being ensured.
Apart from this, CEO has checked as many 126 websites of government departments/boards/corporations. It has been ensured that they have been made compliant with the directions.
In compliance with the instructions issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Election Department is taking swift, effective and stringent action for enforcement of MCC during the first 72 hours of announcement of election schedule.
Besides, CEO is maintaining extra vigil and strict enforcement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Control Room-cum-Complaint Cell Set-up
To ensure fair and inducement free elections in the State, flying squads and static surveillance teams have been constituted in the State.
These teams are keeping vigil over excessive campaign expenses, distribution of items of bribe in cash or kind, movement of illegal arms, ammunition, liquor or anti-social elements in the Assembly Constituencies (ACs) in the State.
The Income Tax Department has set up 24x7 Centralized Control Room-cum-Complaint Monitoring Cell in their office at Shimla.
It has a toll free number 1800-180-8089 to keep a strict vigil to curb the use of black money during the election process.
The Excise Department has also set up a 24X7 control room having toll free number 1800-180-8062, where complaints related to excise violations can be directly lodged.
