EC announces model code in TS: CEO

Hyderabad: The Election Commission of India today announced that part 7 model code of conduct came into effect in Telangana state going for polls, CEO Rajat Kumar said. Inaugurating a media lounge at D Block in Secretariat here along with Joint CEO Amrapali and others he said that the code of conduct has come into immediate effect when the notification was issued he said. The party in power cannot make use of officials and resources he said. The EC enforces Prohibition on use of officials and resources.

The EC perturbed with unauthentic news in social media or others and media should maintain restrain by avoiding malafide intention and should write in public interest. Such news will be dealt with seriously by EC guidelines. We are fully technologically prepared to address the issues and take action if the political parties indulge in violation of norms.

Deletions of bogus voters have been done as per EC guidelines in a transparent manner and 20 lakh odd voters missing is totally wrong he asserted. Under NERTAC scheme 24 lakh bogus voters in 2015 as per norms and AP ratio was higher than expected. When bogus voter eliminated we see political implications and the issues are addressed and the process is going on online. About 20 lakh new enrolments have come and very few will be bogus among them.

The EC, he said, will take a call on the launch of Rythu Bandhu cheques, and minister KTR launching distribution of Bathukamma sarees. To a query no policies can be taken by caretaker government he said. Use police force money and liquor distribution at all check posts through a protocol and model code of conduct will come into effect for the elections followed by the issue of notification.

The EC has received a total of 28,58,754 applications among which 1,64,996 rejected, 1,20,4654 accepted and 14,89,104 pending and the process is on at brisk pace online.

We have sent 10,000 odd VVPATS to districts he said adding that adequate staff available and field level works are being completed and the collectors and officials are working for the process. He denied media reports of 20 lakh voters missing and will address the issues to give chance to genuine voters. As tremendous work and arrangements are on districts, the ECI will send a team to assess the readiness and then announce the schedule for the polls.

Taking cue from Union Home Ministry, the EC through a notification has brought back from AP to TS and 1.15 lakh voters of 3 Assembly segments and its voters can exercise their franchise, Rajath Kumar said.

About 371 engineers and experts will provide awareness in districts on the use of EVMs and VVPATS.

[source_without_link]NSS[/source_without_link]