Panel formed to monitor poll campaigns, ads

Sirsa, August 23

A new Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) has been constituted to oversee the election campaigns for the upcoming Assembly poll on October 1. The committee will monitor both print and electronic media for campaign-related activities and keep a close watch on paid news. It will also certify election advertisements before these are published or broadcasted.

District Election Officer Shantanu Sharma has urged the political parties to follow the model code of conduct (MCC). Candidates and parties must obtain certification from the MCMC for all election-related content on electronic media and pre- and post-election day advertisements in the print media. Applications for these certifications must be submitted in advance.

The ECI has set a spending limit of Rs 40 lakh for each candidate. Candidates must maintain records of their expenses and open a separate bank account for election funds. For transparency, Sharma announced that banks must report daily cash withdrawals over Rs 1 lakh. Withdrawals over Rs 10 lakh would be scrutinised and suspicious transactions might be investigated further, he said.

Additionally, a ‘dry day’ will be observed for 48 hours before the elections. During this, alcohol sales will be banned. The Deputy Commissioner has appointed a nodal officer to oversee the monitoring of alcohol sales to ensure compliance.