Government departments can no longer start fresh construction works now that the model code of conduct has come into force with the announcement of the election date in the State.
Chief Electoral Officer Frederick Roy Kharkongor will hold a videoconference with all the Deputy Commissioners tomorrow to share with them the provisions related to the model code of conduct.
Speaking to media persons here today, Kharkongor said that the works which have already started can go on but no fresh work can start after the operation of the model code of conduct.
“Ongoing works can continue but no fresh work can start after the operation of the model code of conduct,” Kharkongor mentioned.
Regarding the defacement of public property and misuse of public space through wall writing, pasting of posters etc, Kharkongor said this has to be removed within 48 hours. Defacement of private property has to be removed within 72 hours.
He also said that there is a total ban on the use of official vehicles by any candidate or person connected with the election.
Advertisement at the cost of the public exchequer is also prohibited.
“The expenditure monitoring team and the flying squads will also be immediately activated and deployed by the field functionaries,” Kharkongor said.
In terms of observers, he said that there will be three categories of observers – general observers, expenditure observers and police observers.
The expenditure observers will concentrate in constituencies which are marked as Expenditures Sensitive Constituencies (ESC).
“There are 34 ESCs in the State. Reports have come to our office that there could be constituencies where use of high money power is likely. So the expenditure observers will look into it,” Kharkongor said.
