PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Oct 8: The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into immediate effect following the announcement of election dates by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
In line with the directive, East Singhbhum District Election Officer Karn Satyarthi has issued a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlining specific actions to be implemented within the first 72 hours of the announcement to ensure a clean, fair, and transparent electoral process for the bypoll in Ghatshila scheduled on November 11.
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Actions Within 24 Hours
- Removal of defacements from government property: All wall writings, posters, banners, cutouts, flags, and hoardings on government buildings and property will be removed.
- Ban on misuse of government vehicles: No political party, candidate, or election-related individual is allowed to use government vehicles for campaign purposes.
- Restrictions on commercial vehicles: Flags and stickers on commercial vehicles are not permitted unless the vehicle is officially approved for election campaigning.
- Private vehicle violations: Use of party flags and stickers on private vehicles to influence voters will invite legal action under IPC Section 171H / Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 176.
Actions Within 48 Hours
All unauthorized political advertisements—posters, banners, wall writings, and hoardings—on public property and spaces such as railway stations, bus stands, airports, public roads, bridges, buses, electric and telephone poles, and municipal buildings will be removed.
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Actions Within 72 Hours
1. Removal of defacements from private property.
2. Compilation of lists of development and construction activities:
Ongoing projects at the ground level.
New projects that have not yet commenced.
3. Physical verification of polling stations to confirm AMF (Assured Minimum Facilities) and appointment of nodal officers to ensure necessary amenities.
4. Identification of vulnerable and critical polling stations for enhanced monitoring and security.
District Election Officer Karn Satyarthi said all actions will ensure strict regulations of the guidelines and instructions issued by the Election Commission of India to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
Notably, the Ghatshila seat got vacant following the death of minister Ramdas Soren.