From today, poll norms in place

Flying squads, surveillance teams, sectoral magistrates to keep tab on constituencies

 If you are carrying huge cash in transit, better carry relevant documents. Or else you may land in trouble, for the strict norms in place from April 10 in view of the Assembly elections scheduled on May 5.

Addressing the media in the city on Tuesday, Deputy Commissioner C Shikha, also the Returning Officer said those carrying Rs 50,000 and above in cash would be subjected to enquiry. A total of 49 static surveillance teams are in place at check posts and other places.

Persons found with large amounts of cash are requested to furnish the documents in support. Banks have also been intimated to inform the authorities concerned in case of huge transactions; deposition or withdrawal of money.

The teams comprising four to five personnel including sectoral magistrate, videographer, among others, will also be deputed along with the existing staff at check posts. That apart, 128 teams of sectoral magistrates, 14 video surveillance teams and 11 video viewing teams have been formed to attend to the complaints if any.

One each of returning officer and assistant returning officer have been deputed for each of the 11 Assembly constituencies. A total of 2,578 polling booths will be set up; 978 classified as sensitive polling booths and 520 hyper-sensitive, and 40 auxiliary booths. Already 257 teams to keep tab on the violation of model code of conduct, if any, are on the job.

Replying to a query, the Deputy Commissioner said that she has been receiving complaints on her cellphone too, besides the toll-free helpline 1077 at the office. The officer clarified that the candidates could be accompanied by only five workers during the filing of nomination. Only five people will be allowed within 100 metres radius of the office of election officer. During the procession enroute to nomination, only three vehicles will be allowed. In case of the increase in number of vehicles, it will be listed under the expenditure details of the candidate. However, there is no restriction as such on the number of workers who can accompany the candidate in the procession.

Nominations will be received from April 10 up to April 17, followed by the scrutiny on April 18 and last date to withdraw candidature, on April 20.

Security in place

As part of heightened security measures, two companies of central para-military forces have already arrived in the city. More such forces are expected to arrive in the coming days. Each company will be having 100 personnel. It has been proposed to depute 2,800 police personnel on poll duty.