The Haryana State Election Commission has issued guidelines regarding use of vehicles by candidates and their agents and supporters on days of voting for panchayat elections to be held on January, 10, 17 and 24, in order to ensure peaceful, free and fair polling.
Stating this here today, State Election Commissioner Rajeev Sharma said that not more than two vehicles or vessels would be used by a candidate or his agents or his supporters on polling days.
He said they would have to seek permission from the Election Commission for use of vehicles.
The district administration would keep a close watch on vehicles used by persons accompanying candidates and their supporters for any possible mischief, including criminal activities like carrying of illegal arms and weapons.
If any of these vehicles, either of a candidate or a private owner was found to be involved in any such act or for carrying anti-social elements with a view to intimidate or create terror in the minds of the voters, would be impounded by the district administration, and it would not be released till the completion of the election process.
In addition, action would be taken against the owner, occupants and the candidate who is involved in such illegal activities as per law, he added.
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Meanwhile, the State Election Commission has requested the Secondary Education Department to issue necessary directions and instructions to District Education Officers to spare two officers to help the district authorities in taking decision on education certificate during the period of nomination and scrutiny in view of the elections.
In this regard a written communication has been issued to the Director General of the Secondary Education Department today, according to which the department might also inform the Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer (P) concerned about the name, designation and mobile number of the officers so deputed.
Sharma said that some queries regarding equivalent examination from any recognised institution or board might be raised by the Deputy Commissioners or the Returning Officers during nominations.
During the period of nomination and scrutiny, the Secondary Education Department has been requested to depute at least one senior officer in the office of the State Election Commission to advise, help and guide on various issues pertaining to educational queries.
He said that some amendments have been added in disqualifications section of the Haryana Panchayati Raj Act, 1994.
The amendment states that the candidate who has not passed matriculation examination or its equivalent from any recognized institution or board would not be eligible for contesting elections.
Similarly, in case of a woman candidate or a candidate belonging to Scheduled Caste, the minimum qualification would be middle pass and in case of woman candidate belonging to Scheduled Caste contesting election for the post of Panch, the minimum qualification would be 5th pass.
