Vikarabad Collector warns against poll code violations

​Vikarabad: District Collector Sayed Omer Jaleel on Monday advised candidates contesting in Panchayat Raj elections to maintain their expenditure according to the rules and regulations notified by the Election Commission. 

Addressing an all-party meeting, he said that G Kishan was appointed as General Observer and K Venkata Swamy as Expenditure Observer by the State Election Commission. The poll expenditure in the case of panchayats with 5,000 population should not be above Rs 2.5 lakh and it is Rs 1.5 lakh for panchayats with population below 5,000. The expenditure for the candidates to ward members should be in between Rs 50,000 and Rs 30,000, he said. 

The Collector advised the candidates to maintain a register on expenditure and duly signed by the officials concerned for three times before the completion of the elections. He also said that the details of the total expenditure should be submitted within 30 days after the polls. Those who fail to follow the above norms would be declared as non-eligible to participate in future elections for a period of six years. 

General Observer Kishan said that anybody who had problems and complaints with elections could meet him at local R&B guesthouse every day between 4 pm and 5 pm. They may call on mobile number 95021 96811, he said. He also said that campaign should be completed before 6 pm and police permission was must for conducting public meetings. 

He also appealed to the people to call on phone numbers: 79950 61173, 08416-256990 to complain about distribution of money, liquor and any activities violating the poll code. 

Expenditure Observer Venkata Swamy said that teams of observers were being constituted at every mandal to evaluate expenditure. The candidates should maintain special bank accounts for their expenditure. He categorically said that candidates without accounts would not be allowed to submit expenditure details. 

The people may consult local MPDO offices to register their complaints and doubts or they may call 82478 46382, he said. Joint Collector Aruna Kumari, District Revenue Officer Mothilal, Revenue Divisional Officer Viswanath and others were present.