MCC comes into force, no fresh transfer of chief secy of states

Shortly after announcing the poll schedule for the parliamentary and Assembly elections, the Election Commission of India on Saturday shot off letters to the chief secretary of the states and union territories saying the Model Code of Conduct is in place now, hence, no fresh transfers and postings of officials can be done till polls are over. It also said that ministers cannot mix official work with electioneering and official transport cannot be used for election work.

MPs, MLAs cannot issue funds for any development work in constituencies, no new work has to start and no payment for old work has to be released.

All posters, and advertisements, in any form including wall writing have to be removed from government and public properties and public spaces like airports, bus stands, railway stations, buses, trains etc in the next 48 hours. News and publicity regarding achievements with a view to furthering the prospects of the party in power shall be scrupulously avoided, the ECI said adding no advertisements shall be issued in the media highlighting achievement of the government have to stop immediately.

“There shall be a total ban on use of official vehicle by any political party, candidate or any other person connected with election (except officials performing any election related official duty) for campaigning, electioneering or election related travel during elections (subject to certain exception),” the ECI said.

A screening committee headed by the chief secretary has to be in place to monitor elections related regulations.