In view of enforcement of model code of conduct after the announcement of general elections 2019, the Election Commission has directed that no video conferencing can take place among the Chief Ministers, Ministers or political functionaries with the officials of the Union and State Governments.

However, in the immediate aftermath of any calamity of significant scale or magnitude, if video conferencing is considered essential, then Chief Minister or Minister concerned can hold video conferencing with the official concerned, provided the concerned department has taken permission from the office of the chief electoral officer, said Haryana joint chief electoral officer, Inder Jeet on Friday,

He said only the collector, district magistrate and the senior officers engaged in relief work would participate in video conferencing. Except the relief or rescue work related to calamity and its related aspects, no other issues would be discussed during video conferencing, he said.

Inder Jeet said that there would not be any kind of publicity before or after the video conferencing and the media will not be invited in this video conferencing. The concerned department would record audio or video of the entire proceedings of video conferencing and would ensure to send a copy to the chief electoral officer, he said.

He said that the presence of representative of the chief electoral officer would also be essential during the video conferencing.

Inder Jeet added that through video conferencing, any kind of announcement or promise of any grant, assistance in cash or kind or any political statement capable of influencing the voters cannot be given.