Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, May 7: The state election commission, which has published time table for the second phase of election to 63 local bodies in the state, has begun preparations for the same in right earnest. In tune with its decision to strictly monitor implementation of election code of conduct and keeping tab on election-related expenses, it has held a series of meetings of election officers and expenditure observers, and given strict instructions.

The commission has been closely following the general transfer of government employees in local bodies. Before transferring employees, it is mandatory for the departments to obtain prior permission of the election commission. The commission therefore is giving permission for such proposals only after holding detailed scrutiny. The antecedents of employees who are placed at a particular position since long are being verified and whenever complaints are received, immediate action is taken.

Within the limits of urban local bodies for which election has been declared, model code of conduct came into affect from May 2. The deputy commissioners and election officers are expected to take steps to enforce model code of conduct. Police department has been asked to keep close eye on areas that are treated as sensitive from the point of view of maintaining law and order situation. The implementation aspect will become more stringent once election campaign begins. The officials said that the deputy commissioners have been asked strictly not to allow violation of code of conduct.

The code of conduct implemented with the announcement of Lok Sabha election is still in force, but to some extent relaxations have been allowed as polling is over. The election commission has been monitoring situation in towns and cities where election is scheduled to be held, wherever model code violation cases reported during the Lok Sabha election were high at these places.

State election commissioner, P S Srinivasachari, said that enforcing model code of conduct and monitoring expenditure are being pursued seriously and transfers are being closely monitored. 40 IAS and KAS officers in the form of expenditure observers have been appointed in local bodies where election is being held, the commission officials said.