The ongoing Urban local Bodies elections in Uttar Pradesh have given much the needed boost to the local economy, particularly the unorganized sector which has been reeling under the twin impact of the demonetization and implementation of Goods and services Act in July this year.
Expenditure by candidates towards volunteers and workers during campaign besides spending on publicity, canvassing, vehicles, election office, snacks, tents, and demand for pamphlets, posters, and hand bills have shot up suddenly. All this has added to cash flow both accounted and unaccounted in the economy.
The hike in poll expenses ceiling by State Election Commission (SEC) has further given an uptick to electioneering. The SEC had increased poll expenses limit of Mayoral candidates to Rs 20 lakh and Rs 25 lakh for constituencies comprising up to 80 wards and more than 80 wards respectively from the former limit of Rs 12.5 lakh.
For nagar palika parishad elections, the expense limit was fixed at Rs 8 lakh and Rs 6 lakh for the seat of chairman and members respectively. For nagar panchayats, the limit was fixed at Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 30,000 for the post of chairman and members respectively.
With 79,216 candidates in fray for different posts in the UlB polls, the total expenses by the candidates is projected at more than a thousand crore rupees.
A local vendor of election material said that polls given a major leg up to the local economy as demand for flags, posters, tents and furniture to hold rallies and requirement of manpower have registered an increase.