13 flying squads to check cash offerings
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 22 2014 :
With the primary objective of checking distribution of cash to voters by candidates/parties and transfer of money in the run up to the Lok Sabha election, a total of 13 flying squads
have been constituted.
According to an official source in the Election Department, flying squads have been constituted in every district of the State so to check excessive spending by candidates and ensure peaceful polling without any rivals resorting to muscle power.
Three flying squads have been constituted for Thoubal district, two for Senapati and one each for Tamenglong, Imphal West, Chandel, Bishnupur, Ukhrul, Imphal East and Churachandpur.
One flying squad has also been set up for Kangpokpi ADC.
In addition to the flying squads, static surveillance teams and video surveillance teams have been stationed at each and every polling station.
Notably, Income Tax Department has already stationed two air surveillance teams at Tulihal Airport.
Expenditure limit for candidates contesting in the 16th Lok Sabha election has been raised to Rs 70 lakh from the previous figure of Rs 35 lakh.
Candidates have been already directed to deposit the amount they would spend in the election in a bank and the election authority has been monitoring to ensure that no candidates encash more than Rs 20,000 at a time.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India has intimated the Chief Electoral Officer to distribute photo voter clips of good quality to voters captured by DEOs/EROs through Booth Level Officers.
Counting of votes for the two-phased Lok Sabha election would begin from 8 am of May 15, the ECI informed the CEO.