CEO ISSUES DIRECTIONS TO EFFECTIVELY IMPLEMENT ACTION PLAN 72 HOURS PRIOR TO THE POLLING DAY

CONCERNED OFFICER TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DERELICTION OF DUTY: V.K.SINGH
Chandigarh December 28: All the officers across the state have been asked to ensure effective implementation of the Action Plan issued by the ECI 72 hours prior to the date of polling in Punjab in letter and spirit.
Stating this here today, Chief Electoral Officer Punjab Mr.V.K.Singh said that the concerned officers would be held squarely responsible in case of any laxity in the implementation of the ECI directive. Mr.Singh Reviewed the electoral arrangements with the Nodal officers of Police, Administration, Income Tax and Excise and Taxation departments of districts of Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Taran Tarn, Kapurthala, Jallandhar, Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, Muktsar, Faridkot and Bathinda during a crucial meeting held here today.
Addressing the officers, Mr. Singh said that all the officials deputed on the election duty should be fully trained and alert and whenever there is a seizure or any raid then the Income Tax department has to be informed accordingly.
He also said that any confidential information regarding elections has got to be shared with the senior officers without wasting any time so that the effort to lure the voters with presents, cash or liquor or any intoxicants within 72 hours before the date of polling should be thwarted immediately.
He also asked the officers to fix the prices of the goods being used by the candidates so that the candidates could furnish the documents regarding expenditure details to the ECI.
Mr. Singh also said that the staff deputed on election duties should be fully trained and well versed with the shift duties especially on the check posts. The staff members should be familiar with the villages and areas where they are posted.
He has asked the officers to keep an eagle’s eye on the “Bhathis” where country liquor was being produced and sold. He reiterated that any negligence or dereliction of duty on the part of the officer/ official would be dealt with firmly and senior officer would be held responsible for any lapse. He has also asked the officers to ensure that an officer is given only one duty at a time.
The meeting was attended by state Police Nodal Officer, Mr. V.K.Bhawra, ADGP, Rohit Mehra from Income Tax Department and Gurtej Singh from Excise and Taxation department besides other officers of the department.