In order to keep tabs on the expenditure limit during Delhi Assembly elections, Deputy Commissioners of each district have been given a rate chart of the items to be used by political parties and contesting candidates in public meetings, that can be legally incurred by them during canvassing.
The rate chart was prepared by Deputy Commissioner’s office in each district after consultation with representatives of political parties. In other words, besides political rallies, expenses of candidate’s election offices and their supporters would be added to the poll expenditure. The rate chart of items are based on the market price.
As per the rate chart, if a candidate or political party offers chhole kulche to its workers, it would cost `15 per plate and further it would be added to their election expenditure. Similarly, the rate of a garland is `375 apiece while the rate of tea/coffee is `6/`10 per cup.
If a garland is offered to the candidate by his/her worker, it would be added to the expense account. If his supporters get tea or biscuits, it would also be added to the poll expenditure. As per the rate chart, a plate bhatura will cost `30 while a sandwich is priced at `15.
A water bottle will cost `15 while a water jerrican will cost `45. lunch or dinner will be `95 per person. If a candidate or political party uses a ceiling fan, flood lights, halogen, sodium vapour for their functions or offices, the rates would be added to their expenditure. Besides, still photography or videography charges will also be added to the poll expenditure of
the candidate.
The Deputy Commissioners have also issued rate chart for tentage items, green and red carpets, cost of halwai for political parties during elections. Similarly, the rate of hiring vehicles — both air conditioned and non-air conditioned — is also fixed.
Sources said that the rate chart of South Delhi district is at variance from the East and West in view of inflation. For instance, rate of tea is fixed at `10 for South district. Similarly, the rate of garland is higher as compared to East Delhi or West Delhi.
Each candidate’s expenditure ceiling is restricted to `14 lakh and there are demands to increase the same keeping in mind price rise. The expenditure manual lays down that public rallies and meetings held after the announcement and even before the notification of an election will be videographed for monitoring party expenditure.
Among other guidelines, people who attend a rally in their own vehicle without receiving any payment or without any flag, banner or photo of the candidate will not be counted but commercial vehicles will.
The notional cost of fuel and driver salary of a personal vehicle used by the candidate will also be pencilled in. Also, all candidates are expected to maintain a dossier for routine election expenditure.