Authorities asked to adhere to directions for Panchayat Elections

Shimla, November 6, 2015: The State Government has directed the authorities prescribed for various election related matters for ensuring smooth conduct of general elections of Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies in the State which are due by the end of this year.

A Spokesman of the State Government disclosed here today that Sub Divisional Officers, District Panchayat Offices and Block Development Officers etc. had been directed to strictly adhere to various instructions, directions and guidelines issued by the State Election Commission from time to time. They had also been asked to attend the meetings fixed by the Commission for ensuring smooth preparation for conduct of elections including preparation of electoral rolls.

Any lapse at any level, if reported by the State Election Commission, with regard to the conduct of elections and other related activities would be viewed seriously at the Government level followed by stern action against the defaulters.

He said that authorities had also been directed to depute staff from government/semi government organizations of the State Government under their jurisdiction for the conduct of all elections to the Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies, when so desired by the Commission. The officers or the staff employed in connection with the preparation/revision ad correction of the electoral rolls for, and conduct of all elections would be deemed to be on deputation with the Commission for the period during which they were so employed and would be subject to the control, superintendence and discipline of the State Commission.