Port Blair, March 06: A workshop for the Political Party Functionaries on the various provisions related to Election Expenditure Monitoring (EEM) prescribed by the Election Commission of India was held in the Conference Hall of District Office South Andaman.
Speaking on the occasion, the Returning Officer A&N Islands Parliamentary Constituency, Mr. Udit Prakash Rai informed the party functionaries that the Election Commission of India has issued a detailed set of instructions which is to be strictly adhered by all political parties and candidates. The RO said that the ECI has developed a portal named ‘Suvidha’ by which Party’s Representative, Candidate and Election Agent can apply for various permission for election purpose. If the candidates find any problem in using the portal due to connectivity issues, a single window will also be put in place as an alternate to provide all required permission involving all the officials of different departments at one place. A time line will be ensured to dispose of permission applications and it will be on first come first served basis. Political parties will not be allowed to carry out any election related events without taking prior permission, the RO cautioned.
Mr. M Mohammed Ashraf, Sr. AO explained about various Legal Provisions under the RP Act, 1951 and Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 which mandates upkeep of proper day to day account of election expenses in the prescribed performa and submission of the account of the same for inspection as well as filing of account within 30 days of declaration of election results. The party functionaries were appraised that the Ceiling Prescribed for Election Expenditure for each candidate during GE 2019 for A&N Parliamentary Constituency is Rs 54 lakhs.
It was also informed that the candidates shall have to open a separate bank account for election expenditure. The details of various registers to be maintained by the candidates were also explained to them. The party functionaries were also briefed about the procedure to seek permission for holding public rallies/meetings etc.
The workshop was attended by representatives of various Political Parties.