Single window system has been set up in districts to give various election-related permissions to political parties and candidates during lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh.
Election Commission has asked all district election officers and lok Sabha constituencies' returning officers to ensure effective functioning of single window system through which permissions will be given for use of electioneering vehicles, non-commercial airports and helipads, use of loudspeakers in public rallies, public meetings etc.
Single window cell will be equipped by photocopier, scanner, computer, telephone etc. Superintendent of Police will appoint one officer of ASP rank as in-charge of single window cell which will be housed in the offices of district election officer and lok Sabha constituency returning officer. Officers deployed at the cell will receive applications as per procedure and intimate concerning party about their decision.
Political parties and candidates will have to move application for permission 48 hours before proposed event along with details of estimated expenses. Applications will be submitted for rallies, public meetings etc. proposed to be held within seven days. If programmes are to be held in different areas then separate applications will have to be given. Directives have also been given to maintain a log-book for permissions given on applications in which permission process will be shown phase-wise.
Permission cell in-charges have been asked to send permission along with expenditure plan annexure-16 to returning officers. Election observer will send the same within an hour to assistant observer of concerning Vidhan Sabha for video-graphy arrangements, enforcement of Model Code of Conduct and monitoring.
Application for use of non-commercial airports and helipads will have to be submitted along with travel plan, place of landing and passengers on board 24 hours before landing. In this regard the permission cell in-charge will obtain permission from police and if needed, make its information available to district magistrate and district election officer.
Officers of various departments have been also been given responsibilities in single window cell -- including municipal corporation or cantonment board' executive officer or district officers below his rank including assistance fire officer regarding use of land, building, premises/ground and executive engineer of Electricity Board for permission for temporary lighting arrangements at meeting site. All these officers will camp in the offices of district magistrates and district election officers. Assistant Director Transport or an officer of above rank will be posted at Model Code of Conduct section of the CEO' office for permission regarding modified vehicles for use in rallies and electioneering.
The Chief Electoral Officer has directed all district magistrates, district election and returning officers to display commission's directives on the notice board and at prominent places, specially the permission cell for awareness.