Govt for strict enforcement of model code of conduct

Chandigarh, Jan 1 (UNI) Punjab government will strictly enforce the application of model code of conduct which come into force with effect from December 29 after the announcement of the forthcoming state assembly elections on February 13 and bye-election to Amritsar Parliamentary Constituency by the Election Commission of India.

A Cabinet meeting held here today under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister Rajinder Kaur Bhattal also approved the draft affidavit to be filed in the Supreme Court as per its direction issued on September 22 last year in a writ petition filed in regard to police reforms, till framing of appropriate legislation; to establish a State Security Commission, selection and minimum tenure of DGP, minimum tenure of IG Police and other officers, separation of investigation wing from law and order wing, to constitute a Police Establishment Board, to establish a Police Complaints Authority and to establish a National Security Commission.

The Cabinet also approved the amendment in section 34 (4) of the Haryana and Punjab Agriculture Universities Act,1970 to be substituted as ''The statement of income (inclusive of grants etc) and expenditure, duty audited by the Examiner, Local Fund Accounts (Department of Finance) Punjab, shall be submitted by the Vice Chancellor through the Board to the appropriate Government.'' UNI