The District Election Officer of East Khasi Hills has passed an order requiring political parties to seek permission from the Deputy Commissioner before they put up flags, banners, hoardings and other signage and to take them down when their programmes are over.
In the order, the DEO noted that political parties put up such paraphernalia around Shillong and the district but, on completion of their programmes, they fail to remove the items, thereby causing inconvenience to the general public, particularly on city roads. These can also be a safety hazard, the DEO added.
In other cases, political flags and signs have been put up on government premises and establishments, “which is against the established rules and guidelines of the Election Commission of India.”
All parties have now been directed to obtain written permission from the DC’s office before putting up such paraphernalia and these should be removed “immediately on completion of programme or as per the terms given in the conditions.”
