NO POlITICAl TOUCH TO SANITATION DRIVE
Chandigarh: Election Commission of India has directed political functionaries, including Chief Minister, Ministers and others holding posts under the Haryana Government not to use the ‘National Sanitation Campaign’ for furthering their political interests. They would also ensure that “No political content is mixed with the subject matter of the campaign in their speeches with a view to influencing the voters”. Chief Electoral Officer, Haryana, Shrikant Walgad said apart from this, election machinery involved in ongoing Assembly Elections would not be engaged in this campaign till the election process is over. He said print and electronic media advertisements issued by the Central or State Government or any other agencies of the Government would not carry the photographs of political functionaries and would be limited to the contents of the campaign in the election bound States.
POllING DAY, OCTOBER 15 TO BE A PAID HOlIDAY
Chandigarh: The Haryana Government has notified October 15, the day of poll for State Assembly elections as paid holiday or special casual leave (paid) under section 135B of the Representation of the People Act and under section 25 of the Negotiable Instrument Act 1881 for the employees of the Government or semi-Government offices, educational institutions of the State Government, boards and Corporations, who are registered voters and casting their vote in the election. A notification to this effect issued by the Chief Secretary office also states that the employees of various factories, shops and private establishment located in Haryana, who are registered voters for the Assembly Elections would also be allowed to take paid leave for casting their vote
NO VIOlATION OF CHIlD RIGHTS DURING POllS
Chandigarh: The Election Commission of India has directed that violation of children’s right for any work connected with the election process during the general elections to the Haryana Assembly will not be accepted and necessary action apart from facing the consequences of law will be taken against erring political parties. Chief Electoral Officer, Shrikant Walgad said the leaders of political parties have been asked to ensure that there is no violation of children’s rights. The District Election Officer or Returning Officer will be held responsible for violation of child rights for any work connected with the poll process like campaigning, carrying related material, etc. and would face severe disciplinary action apart from facing consequences of law. It is the responsibility of the political leaders to ensure that there is no violation of these instructions, he added.
FUll ElECTION COMMISSION IN HARYANA ON OCTOBER 4
Chandigarh: The Full Election Commission of India will visit Haryana on October 4 to review the arrangements for Assembly polls. CEO Shrikant Walgad said that the commission will hold meeting with political parties at Haryana Niwas from 9 to 10.30 am. The Commission will also meet Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Home Secretary, Income Tax Commissioner and officers of Excise Department, Inspector Generals’ of Police, Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police.