Kerala assembly polls: EC warns of strict action over model code of conduct violations

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The election commission (EC) has said that despite clear instructions, many departments continue to bypass procedures and has warned of strict action if violations persist during the model code of conduct (MCC) period of the assembly elections.

In a communication dated April 3, chief electoral officer (CEO) Rathan U Kelkar said it has come to notice of the office that several departments and institutions are still submitting proposals directly to the CEO, ignoring the govt's March 16 circular, which mandated that all such proposals be routed through the administrative department concerned and placed before a screening committee.

The CEO has now directed that strict adherence to the prescribed procedure is mandatory, making it clear that all proposals requiring consideration or permission during the MCC period must be routed through the respective administrative department along with the recommendation of the screening committee. Departments have also been instructed to ensure that all subordinate offices, wings and affiliated institutions comply with these directions and do not send proposals directly to the CEO or ECI.

Warning that any deviation will be viewed seriously, the CEO's office has reiterated that the procedure laid down by the state govt must be followed without exception.

The warning comes against the backdrop of orders issued by the general administration (co-ordination) department shortly after the MCC came into force on March 15. The govt constituted a screening committee headed by the chief secretary to examine proposals that may require prior clearance from ECI before they are forwarded to the CEO.

A detailed circular also laid down that secretaries should examine cases at their level based on MCC guidelines, and only those requiring exemption, clarification or falling outside existing norms should be escalated to the committee. Departments were specifically barred from sending proposals directly to the CEO or ECI without the committee's recommendation.