Commissioner forms Election Cell, issues guidelines on Assy polls

New Delhi, Oct 26 (UNI) Taking a serious view of the law and order during the forthcoming Assembly elections, city Police Commissioner Y S Dadwal while constituting an 'Election Cell' has instructed senior officials on the various dos and dont's on enforcing the model code of conduct.

The 'Election Cell' while looking into the police arrangements during next month elections, would function round the clock on the complaints and suggestions from the public over 'policing aspect of elections', according to senior police officials.

''People can fax their suggestions as well as complaints regarding any deficiency in policing service on Tel No.

011-23315150.'' It will be headed by DCP Ajit Kumar Singla, officials added.

Important Guidelines/instructions of model code of conduct issued for the smooth conduct of elections include instructions on public meetings, processions, traffic compliance for organisers, filing nominations, use of loud speakers, printing and display of poster, banner, and Security aspects.

For 'public meetings', permission will be granted by DCP on a first come first serve basis, booking for a venue will be made for not more than 72 hours in advance and only one booking at a given time will be allowed.

On 'processions', it says that permission will have to be taken in advance from the nodal ACP concerned nominated for each constituency and all traffic regulations and restrictions shall be adhered to.

Under 'Traffic Compliance for Organisers', the organiser shall take steps in advance to arrange for passage of the procession so that there is no blockade or hindrance to traffic.

And, if the procession is very long, it shall be organised in segments of suitable lengths, especially at points where the processions has to pass the road junctions, the passage of held up traffic could be allowed in stages thus avoiding traffic congestion.

'During filing nominations', cars/vehicles shall, under no circumstances, be allowed to move in convoys of more than three vehicles from the date of notification till the completion of election process in any constituency, and not more than four people including the candidate are allowed inside the room of the Returning Officer.

On 'Use of Loud Speakers', whether fitted on vehicles or used in public meeting or processions, the model code says it should be permitted only between 0600 hrs to 2200 hrs and all shall have specific permit issued by the returning officer and the nodal ACP.

Also, external modification of vehicles including fitting of Loudspeaker thereon, would be subject to the provisions of the Motor vehicles Act/Rules and any other Local Act/Rules.

Under the 'Printing and display of poster, and banner,.' category, all election pamphlets/posters shall bear the names and addresses of the printers and publishers and the West Bengal, Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 1976, shall be applicable, even as an election poster or hoardings will only be allowed at the official residence and election office of each candidate.

Besides this, buntings or posters or hoardings or writings on trees, electric poles, roundabouts, any wall or a building, are illegal, and display of any flag, sticker,shall not be permitted on commercial vehicles, unless such vehicle is validly used for election campaign after obtaining the requisite permit from the District Election Officer/ Returning Officer and displayed thereof in original on the wind screen.

And finally, for 'security arrangements during festivals' the Commissioner directed maximum mobilisation of the force, with officers being directed to meet Market Associations to ensure proper security arrangements at all markets and crowded places.

''Among the directions issued to senior officials include intensive patrolling, ensuring maximum presence of force in sensitive and core areas, checking security arrangements in each market, mobilising stake holders of 'Eyes&Ears Scheme' and ensure announcement for public awareness though public addressing system,'' officials informed.

UNI AN BDP RK1150