District officers to monitor expenses

By Our Special Correspondent

TIRUCHI, OCT. 10. Strict instructions have been issued to district electoral officers and returning officers to see whether candidates in the civic polls are restricting their expenses to the prescribed ceiling, Mr. P.S. Pandyan, State Election Commissioner, told newsmen here today.

The expenses would be calculated from the last date for withdrawal of nominations.

Rejecting the idea that the ceiling was too small, Mr. Pandyan that said in local bodies polls candidates belonged to the same compact area and would know the electorate. When it was pointed out that candidates were engaging many vehicles and holding meetings in posh hotels, Mr.Pandyan said instructions would be given to the District Collectors to ensure that the rules were scrupulously observed.

Under the existing law, there was no provision for taking action against a group which allegedly auctioned posts in a few places. The Commission ensured that no one was prevented from filing nomination, but it was helpless in initiating action against ``auctioning''.

However, in the light of experience, the Commission would initiate steps to prevent the practice which was against the spirit of democracy, Mr Pandyan said.

The total number of electorate in the State was 4.77 crores, a little high going by the normal phenomenon of having only about 66 per cent of the population as voters. Printing of ballot papers was on in full swing, and the entire work would be completed well in time.

Mr. Pandyan earlier reviewed poll arrangements with the Collectors of Tiruchi, Pudukottai, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Perambalur and the Tiruchi Corporation Commissioner.

Electoral rolls revision

Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral officer, Dr. Mrituanjay Sarangi, held discussions here with the Collectors of seven districts on the progress in revision of the general electoral rolls. He also reviewed issue of photo identity cards to voters.

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Section  : Southern States
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