The Election Commission of India has enhanced the limit of carrying cash from the current Rs. 1 Lakh to 2.50 Lakhs during the period when model code of conduct is in force. Disclosing this here today, Mrs. Usha Sharma, Special Chief Electoral Officer Punjab said that the intentions of the ECI were clear that black money should not be used during the Assembly Elections in the state. She made it clear that the persons will have to carry the relevant documents disclosing the source and use of the money they were carrying. Adding further, she said that the ECI has asked for a panel of Police officers to replace the Police Commissioner Ludhiana.
Meanwhile the ECI has deferred the auction of property and lot of draw of plots and holding the interviews for the post of member of State Commission and district forum of State Consumer Disputes.
Referring to the recently transferred ROs in different districts, Mrs. Sharma said that the Commission would take strict action against those ROs who have not yet joined their respective places of postings. After the clear instructions given to Secretary Transport, the photographs of Chief Minister have been removed from 170 state Transport Buses out of 200 running in the state. The Commission has also cancelled the transfer orders of one S.E., of Local Bodies Department posted at Mohali, who was given additional charge of Patiala. Executive Officer (EO) of Kapurthala has also been ordered to be transferred on a complaint. Mrs. Sharma also said that a case has been registered against the miscreants who attacked the election officials in Village Channu District Bathinda when they went to check the reported complaint of violation of Model Code of Conduct. She said that the Commission is committed to hold free and fair and peaceful elections in the state and would provide adequate security to the poll related officials.
Regarding the complaints against the PTC and Fastway channels, she said that Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has referred the matter to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India for further action.
She also said that the Commission has received 203 complaints regarding the violation of Model Code of Conduct out of which 46 complaints have been resolved so far.