Chandigarh, Apr 12 (IANS): The Election Commission (EC) has put restrictions on the parole to drug offenders during 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

A spokesperson for the Chief Electoral Office here said on Thursday that the model code of conduct will apply in cases of release of convicts on

parole.

"If the state government considers that release of any convict on parole is absolutely essential for certain compelling reasons in that case, it shall consult the Chief Electoral Officer concerned before granting parole," the spokesperson said, adding that the parole should be given in the cases of extreme emergency.

The person given parole will not be allowed to indulge in any election-related activities. The activities of such persons will be monitored by the police or drugs authority.

Drugs abuse in Punjab is rampant. The EC has pointed out earlier that use of drugs during elections is unique to Punjab, unlike other states.

Nearly 14,000 drugs offenders were arrested by various agencies in Punjab in the past two years.