No code violation in paying SoO groups : CEO
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 04 2022:
The office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has refuted the allegations of violation of model code of conduct by the State Government by way of releasing a huge amount of money to SoO groups.
Citing a report submitted by the Home Department and the Finance Department, the office of the CEO said that the amount of Rs 15.703 crore was released as backlog monthly stipend for SoO groups under KNO and UPF for the months of October, 2020 to September 2021 at the rate of Rs 6000 per cadre per month for approved strength of 1122 cadres of KNO and 1059 cadres of UPF as part of regular ongoing programme since 2008 .
It was further clarified in the report that a sanctioned amount of Rs 1.02 crore was for payment of financial benefits to surrenderees as per revised scheme for surrender cum rehabilitation of militants in the North East States and the same is not related to SoO groups.
Since the beneficiaries of the above scheme were already identified and approved before the announcement of the election and enforcement of the model code of conduct, there is no violation of the model code of conduct in connection with the 12th General Election to the Manipur Legislative Assembly, 2022, the office of the CEO clarified.