Cable operators and owners of printing presses have been apprised of directives and guidelines of Election Commission of India for keeping a close watch over election expenses by various political parties and candidates during Vidhan Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh.
It has been said in the directives that cable operators and owners of newspapers must exercise special care during Vidhan Sabha elections. Strict action will be taken against those whose telecast or broadcast may lead to breachof peace.
Owners of printing presses have been directed to necessarily obtain a declaration from publishers before publication of any matter.
They have been asked to provide a copy of election matter printed by them along with a copy of declaration to district election office at the earliest. Published matter must carry print line containing names of publishers/printers, address number of published copies etc. Action will be taken against the printing press owners under Representation of People Act if they violate these directives.
Election Commission has asked cable operators to be more alert and careful regarding paid news. Any news aiming at benefiting a particular political party will come under the purview of paid news.
On the directives of Election Commission, media certification and monitoring committees have been constituted which are monitoring electronic media round-the-clock.
Cable operators have been directed to comply with these directives necessarily. They should obtain declaration from concerning persons before telecast of their material. C-Desk of Pune is also keeping watch over website, social media and other electronic media.
Bulk SMSes of political parties and record of their number is being maintained. Candidates had also been directed to give their e-mail IDs and social media accounts at the time of filing nomination papers.