Chief electoral officer directs all bodies to follow Model Code of Conduct

Chief Electoral Officer Maneesh Garg on Tuesday directed all departments concerned to ensure strict adherence to the guidelines of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) when it comes into force for ensuring free and fair elections to the State assembly.

The meeting was attended by Additional CEOs Dalip Negi and Neelam Dutta, besides the HoDs of various departments. The CEO said, “The coordination of various departments was important for conducting smooth and inducement free Polls in the State. Directions were given to the Public Works Department to ensure proper maintenance of roads and provision of ramps and other facilities in polling stations, to facilitate the voters. He stressed the need to keep machinery and labour ready for clearance of roads in case of landslides or blockage of roads due to snowfall or heavy rains.”

He also stressed upon to ensure prompt medical assistance to the polling personnel and also provision of COVID-19 safety material during the poll process. Specific directions were issued to the health department in this regard.

The State Taxes and Excise department was also directed to monitor all bottling plants and warehouses through 24X7 CCTV surveillance and ensure inter-state coordination with Excise Commissioners of the bordering states to curb illegal movement of liquor.