Keep vigil on sale of consumer goods-  Expenditure Observers

Ludhiana, May 25, 2024: The Expenditure Observers deputed by the Election Commission of India for the Ludhiana Parliamentary Constituency Pankaj Kumar, IRS, and Chetan D Kalamkar, IRS, on Saturday told the officials to keep a strict vigil on the sale of consumer goods, including electronic goods such as mobiles, utensils, ceiling fans, cookers,mixers, grinder, machines, garments and etc. 

The observers held a meeting with district-level officers of various law enforcement agencies on Saturday. They said that these items could be used as freebies to induce the voters either through distribution directly or coupon system. They emphasized the need for better coordination between the agencies to ensure the smooth, fair, and transparent conduct of polls. They also asked them to collect details of sale of all these items along with details of sale of previous months. “The idea was to detect any sudden and unexplained rise in the sale of such products. 

The observers also asked them to keep vigil on transportation of such items from across inter-state borders, check posts are set up. Further, they said that the officials must keep a check on the bank transactions of 43  candidates' relatives and close associates. 

Moreover, they also asked the officials to daily keep track of the sale of medicines by chemists or wholesalers. The observers also highlighted the crucial monitoring of the liquor movement during the election period and urged surprise checks at all major check posts. They also asked the agencies to remain alert and utilize the SSTs, VSTs, and FSTs in case of seizures.
Expenditure Observers also detailed the Standard Operating Procedure to be followed during seizures by agencies during the election period. They instructed all agencies to coordinate and work in tandem with the Expenditure Monitoring Cell and promptly communicate information regarding all seizures.

The observers also inquired about the action taken by various agencies, including Commissionerate Police, Ludhiana rural police, Railway Protection Force, Airport Authorities, Income Tax department, Excise Department, and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence. 

They urged the agencies to work with zeal and unwavering commitment to uphold the sanctity of the election process and carry out their responsibilities diligently until the conclusion of the election process.