A virtual training programme was organised by the State Election Commission regarding election expenditure, account maintenance and presentation for smooth and transparent conduct of upcoming civic bodies elections and municipal elections in the State. The training programme was held under the guidance of State Election Commissioner Ajay Singh and Secretary Dr Sarveshwar Narendra Bhure. The training programme was organised through video conferencing in the office of the State Election Commission Nava Raipur Atal Nagar. All the Deputy District Election Officers, Master Trainers and Election Expenditure Auditors participated virtually in the training programme. During the training, the officers were given information about guidelines related to election expenditure, the process of maintaining proper accounts of expenses and standards of presentation. Also, special precautions were stressed to ensure adherence to expenditure limits and avoid irregularities.

 

All officials, who play an important role in making the election process fair and transparent, were instructed to be alert towards their duties and responsibilities and strictly follow the rules. During the training, the officers were told that the candidates will have to present their accounts (only Form A) for inspection at least twice during the entire election process. The first inspection will take place within four days of nomination and the second inspection will take place two days before voting. Apart from this, if the District Election Officer/Returning Officer/Expenditure Observer deems it necessary, apart from these two occasions, the expenditure accounts can also be asked to be presented for inspection and the final details of the accounts will be submitted within 30 days of the declaration of results. Officers were given training at district and division level Media Certification & Monitoring Committee (MCMC). Information was also given about the formation of the committee and its functions. If any news or analysis is in the category of paid news, its expenditure will be informed through a letter to the Returning Officer to be added to the candidate’s account. The Returning Officer has the right to issue notice in case of paid news. The MCMC will also give a copy of the information being given to the Returning Officer to the Expenditure Observer. Master trainer Rakesh Dedghavan gave training. Deputy Secretary Dr Neha Kapoor and Alok Kumar Srivastava also gave necessary information related to the elections to the officials.