Consultative meeting on paid news held
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 13 2017:
A joint consultative meeting of the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) of Imphal East district with representatives of print and electronic media to highlight provisions on measures to check paid news and others in connection with the upcoming 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly Election was held today at the Conference Hall, 2nd Floor, SIRD Hostel, DC Office Complex, Porompat.
Attended by the Returning Officers and other officials, District Election Officer of Imphal east district Ningthoujam Geoffrey highlighted various acts and provisions under section 126 of the Representation of the People Act 1951 which bans paid news in newspapers and other media houses.
He added that MCMC will closely monitor the election campaign through various electronic and print media including cable networks, radio etc and a pre-certification will be done in case of advertisement in electronic media.
Use of social media and other forms of mass communications by candidates will be closely monitored.
The DEO also explained the new Expenditure Monitoring Mechanism and other related legal provisions.
He further requested the political parties and candidates to exercise self- restraint on expenditure.
The maximum amount a candidate can exploit in election campaign is Rs 20 lakh.
The Nodal Officer of Expenditure Monitoring Cell in the district Headquarters will coordinate with the DEO for providing adequate manpower and facilities.
The Monitoring Cell will be also responsible for videographing all public meetings or rallies for potential candidates during the period between announcement of election by Election Commission of India and the notification of election.
Geoffrey further highlighted that the six observers, which includes 3 General Observers, 3 External Observers and 3 Police Observers, will be employed in Imphal East district in the upcoming election.
When enquired on vehicle assessment, he said that adequate arrangements have been made to access all 430 polling stations in the Imphal East district.
There is requirement of 2150 polling personnel in the district, he added.
Postal ballots will be made readily available through the ROs concerned of all Assembly Constituencies.
He added that e-postal ballots will also be made available in Khundrakpam, Heingang and Keirao Assembly Constituencies.
CCTV cameras will be installed in polling stations which are not covered by 3G internet connectivity, he added.
Further he urged all the people residing in the district to co-operate in order to conduct the election in free and transparent manner.