Take permission for political advertisements on electronic and social media: DC to political parties

Nawanshahr, January 10, 2022: District Election Officer-cum- Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Sarangal on Monday asked the political parties to take permission for running advertisements on electronic & social media including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other platforms.

Accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner (G) Jasbir Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner (UD) Amit Sareen, Deputy Commissioner said that all the candidates have to furnish details of their social mediahandles besides only pre-certified advertisements would be allowed to flashed on the social media.

He said that all the expenditure on these advertisements would be added in election expenditure account. Similarly, all the pamphlets, posters and handbills etc. must carry the name of publisher, printer besides number of printed copies and a declaration of publisher must be submitted to RO with all the information regarding this publication.
     

Further, the political hoardings/banners/posters on private buildings would need conset from the owners of private properties, he said and such lists must be submitted to Returning Officers (ROs).  He asked them to strictly adhere instructions of not pasting any advertisement on Government Institutions.

He also cautioned people to have valid documents if they are carrying cash above Rs 50,000 besides suspicious transactions above Rs one lakh must be reported to the district election office.

Sarangal held detailed discussion with the representatives of different political parties during which they assured them that the district administration was duty-bound to ensure smooth and hassle free polling process in Nawanshahr.

He further said that political parties must avoid any such campaign which incites mutual hatred adding that no religious place should be used for campaigning

Seeking fulsome support and cooperation from the political parties for holding free, fair and transparent and safe assemely elections, he told them to strictly adhere to Covid safety guidelines including ban on rallies/meetings/processions till January 15.

He asked them that elaborate arrangements have been put at place in SBS Nagar by the administration for this purpose.

Sarangal said that no stone would be left unturned for ensuring that free and fair election process was completed in the district.

He said that the parties must adhere to the stipulated Model Code of Conduct and other Covid restrictions else stern action would be taken against the violators as per the provisions.

District Election Officer said that zero tolerance would be adopted towards any body found violating the norms of Model Code of Conduct. 

Sharing the details regarding various IT application introduced by Election Commission of India (ECI), he said that a revolutionary C-Vigil app has been launched to enable the citizens to complaint against violation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) or any corrupt practices.

He said that all Complaint registered on this android App would be resolved within 100 minutes. He said that another IT App initiative Suvidha has been developed for the candidates adding that it was single window for various permissions required during the Elections.

The Deputy Commissioner also said that the Election Commission is committed to ensure free, fair and peaceful polls in the district.

He added that screening Committee, Media Certification and Monitoring Committee, Vehicle Management teams, Expenditure Monitoring Committee, Model Code of Conduct Teams, Video Viewing Teams and Accounting teams have been constituted in the district to check the misuse of money power, liquor and narcotics.

He also said that adequate security forces would be deployed for conducting free and fair electoral process in the state.

Prominent among present on the occasion included Assistant Commissioner Deepankar Bhatia, DRO Ajitpal Singh and others.