CEC to inspect readiness on Oct 7

Meanwhile,the Election Commission has asked the state government to remove hoardings displaying achievements of the government and also directed that photographs of ministers be removed from the official website of the government.

Meanwhile,Chief Electoral Officer Narinder Chauhan has said strict measures had been taken by the Election Commission of India to check ‘paid news’ (advertisement in garb of news in media and related matters) during elections in the state.

He said Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) had been constituted in each district for previewing,scrutinising and verifying all advertisements by individual contesting candidates or political parties.

The CEO said for the purpose of certification,the Returning Officer of the Parliamentary Constituency/District Election Officer and an Assistant Returning Officer (not below SDM) were members of the MCMC.

Besides discharging the functions of Certification of Advertisement and checking for paid news,the committee would also assist in enforcement of media related regulations under the Representation of the People Act,1951,he said.

He said the committee would scan all media reports for suspected cases of paid news,apart from monitoring political advertisements in media in relation to candidates.

Monitoring of expenses and ads in print media will be scrutinised and checks will also be conducted to ensure that name and address of publisher and printer are carried on election pamphlets,posters,hand bills and other documents as required under section 127A of Representation of the People Act.

CEO said the commission had directed to observe vigilance by making use of the existing provisions of law so that the incidence of ‘paid news’ or surrogate advertisements in print and electronic media in the context of elections was arrested.