PANAJI
The office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Goa is closely monitoring poll-related activity in the State and does have a mechanism by which suo moto action is initiated in cases where the violation is “serious” and “blatant”.
A highly placed source at the CEO’s office told The Goan that officers from within the law and order machinery in the State, including executive and sub-divisional magistrates have been assigned area-specific responsibilities.
“To take up violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) suo moto whenever such violations do take place these officials will confabulate with the poll observers appointed by the ECI and proceed,” the official said.
The MCC restricts governments from taking any fresh welfare initiative or any decision on policy matters until the elections are over.
Bureaucrats are also restrained from taking any major decisions or actions which could vitiate the level-playing field for the elections and when serious violations occur at the behest of the State government and its bureaucrats, the matter is acted upon directly by the CEO and his team comprising the joint CEO and other electoral officers, the top official said.
Meanwhile close on the heels of the Election Commission of India (ECI) censuring the Centre and ordering an immediate stop to messages on Whatsapp sent out on the ‘Viksit Bharat’ programme, the State government has suspended all activity related to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s pet project “ Swayampurna Goa.
A directive issued by Planning and Statistics Deputy Director, K Gokhale on Friday said that all activities related to the ‘Swayampurna Goa programme have been suspended in view of the MCC coming into force.
“I am directed to inform that all taluka nodal officers and Swayampurna Mitras shall suspend all the activities under the Swayampurna Goa programme with immediate effect,” Gokhale said in his directive.
I-T dept sets up 24x7 control room
PANAJI: With the Lok Sabha polls on the horizon, the Income Tax Department, Panaji, has taken proactive steps to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. A dedicated control room has been established, operating round the clock until the elections conclude.
The primary aim of the control room is to address any concerns regarding the distribution of cash, freebies, or inducements by individuals or political entities. The department urges citizens to promptly report any such incidents to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process.
Citizens can lodge complaints and provide information through various channels, including a toll-free number (1800-233-3941), a landline number (0832-2438447), and via email at [email protected]. The department assures confidentiality of the identities and details of informants.
Emphasizing the importance of genuine and accurate information, the department underscores its commitment to ensuring free and fair elections.
The control room is overseen by the Additional Director of Income Tax (Investigation), situated at 3rd Floor, Tristar Building, EDC Complex, Patto, Panaji.
