Remove all references to ministers/politicians or political parties available on official websites-ECI

Chandigarh, March 14, 2014: The Election Commission of India has directed to remove all references to Ministers/Politicians/Political parties available on official websites during Lok Sabha 2014 poll process.
Disclosing this here today Punjab Chief Electoral Officer, V.K. Singh said that the Commission has considered the question of various references currently available on official websites of states as well as Central Government Ministries’ highlighting the achievements of concerned departments but eulogizing the same as personal achievements of Politicians/Ministers. He said that in this regard a communiqué has been sent to the Chief Secretary for further circulation to all the Administrative secretaries.
He also said that the directions regarding grant of parole in case of compassionate or emergency situation has been issued to the Deputy Commissioners. He said that the death of immediate family members, marriage of convict or any immediate family member should be treated as compassionate ground. Besides this the Deputy Commissioners would also verify the political implication of such cases. He said that the decision should be taken at his/her level keeping these guidelines in mind and other cases could be sent to Home Department for clearance from ECI.
The CEO clarified that there was total ban on preparing new blue cards and as well as on their distribution. He said that but already identified beneficiaries having cards prior to March 5, when Model Code of Conduct came in to force could get their ration. He further said that the Secretary Food & Civil Supplies has been asked to submit a detailed report regarding number of total beneficiaries having received card prior to MCC, remaining number of beneficiaries who were yet to get their cards also along with the details of wheat already distributed to them. He said that the detailed report would be sent to ECI for further directions in this regard.
Singh has also said that till date 25261 armed licenses have been deposited and the District police chiefs have been directed to expedite this process of depositing of arms.