Do whatever is necessary to conduct the elections in a transparent, fair and correct way. State Election Commissioner Basant Pratap Singh gave these instructions during the review of the preparations for the three-tier panchayat and urban body elections. Singh reviewed the election preparations through video conferencing. Shri Singh said that nomination papers for the election of three-tier panchayats would be taken off-line only.
State Election Commissioner Singh said that all polling stations should be inspected keeping the rainy season in mind. Where necessary, get the required repairs done. Make all arrangements to take the polling parties to the polling stations on time.
Singh said that with the announcement of Panchayat elections on May 27 today, the model code of conduct has come into force in rural areas. This will be applicable to the officers-employees as well as the political parties. Organise Standing Committee meetings from time to time. Ensure action for arms license suspension, property defacement, preventive action, confiscation of illicit liquor. Make proper security arrangements by identifying sensitive and hyper-sensitive polling stations. Rallies, processions, meetings etc. should be organised in the election area only with the prior permission of the competent authority. Polling parties should be given proper training. Enter the vacant posts of Panchayats who have completed their tenure by November-2022.
Singh said that the election information for all the three phases will be issued by the Collectors and District Election Officers on May 30, 2022. Along with this, information regarding reservation of seats and list of polling stations will also be published.
Nomination papers will be taken at the District Headquarters for District Panchayat members, Block Headquarters for Janpad Panchayat members and at the Block Headquarters and Cluster level for the posts of Sarpanch and Panch.
Deposit amount
The State Election Commissioner informed that along with the nomination, a deposit amount of Rs. 8 thousand for District Panchayat member, Rs. 4 thousand for Janpad Panchayat member, Rs. 2,000 for Sarpanch and Rs. 400 for Panch will have to be deposited. Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and Women candidates will have to deposit half of this deposit amount.
Scrutiny of nomination papers
Shri Singh said that the Returning Officer himself should scrutinize the nomination papers. During scrutiny, if only one candidate remains, it will be revised by the sub-divisional officer revenue for Panch or Sarpanch, Collector for Janpad Panchayat member and Divisional Commissioner for District Panchayat member.
Make proper arrangements for distribution and receipt of voting material. Follow the process of e-tendering fully. Establish control rooms in all districts soon.
Polling time
The polling time for the election of Panchayats will be from 7 am to 3 pm and in urban bodies from 7 am to 5 pm. Shri Singh said that the information of Returning Officer, Assistant Returning Officer and Special Executive Magistrate should be given soon. Get the work of FLC of EVMs completed within the time limit.
