Punjab CEO seeks reports on transportation of bicycles

Chandigarh, March 12, 2014: Punjab Chief Electoral Officer V.K. Singh today said that as per the directions of Election Commission of India, special emphasis would be on providing polling staff an opportunity to cast their votes through postal ballots or by issuing election duty certificates during Lok Sabha elections-2014.
Interacting with media persons, Singh pointed out that ECI has categorically directed for adopting a mechanism to ensure that entire polling staff including both civil and security could use their right to franchise and for this purpose as per the requirement of any individual postal ballots or election duty certificates would be issued.
Singh said that a complaint regarding transportation of bicycles meant for girl students has been received from Sangrur district and said that the Punjab Chief Secretary has been asked to get the matter enquired. He said that though the distribution of such bicycles was only violation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) but these should not been transported.
Replying a query regarding political conferences by political parties on the occasion of Hola- Mohalla, the CEO said that the Deputy Commissioner, Rupnagar has been directed to advise political parties against holding these in the periphery of Gurudwara Sahib as it amounts to violation of MCC. He said that there would be a monitoring system to keep close eye on any violation.
When asked about the possibility of Talwandi Sabo by-poll with Lok Sabha election, the CEO informed that they haven’t yet received any communication regarding this from Punjab Vidhan Sabha. He said that whenever, they got any communication regarding this, the matter would be sent to ECI.
Replying another query, VK Singh said that no new cards could be issued regarding Atta-Dal scheme but the beneficiaries already getting the benefit of this scheme could avail it as it was for the poor persons. He said that the bag carrying wheat should not have any picture of political person.
He said that the Deputy Commissioners have been directed to recommend the cases of parole of only those prisoners, who have a valid compassionate reason and no political inclination. He said that the Deputy Commissioners would send these cases to the Home department and thereafter, they would send these to ECI for necessary approval.