Behave, EC’s watching: PM to Ministers

Vajpayee has asked his ministers not to forward or approve any new proposal that entails expenditure. However, this caveat would not apply to projects that have been announced in the interim budget and on measures relating to relief work or emergency and security-related approvals.

Sources said the Cabinet Secretary has been instructed not to list for Cabinet approval any proposal that has policy implication or requires new funding.

Even ordinances are being sent back lest an embarrassing situation arises on President Kalam returning it to the Cabinet for a rethink. ‘‘In the last few days, the PM does not want anything to happen which will dent the India Shining or Feel Good advantage,’’ said sources.

The PM has instructed that ministers approve grants to autonomous bodies and voluntary agencies only if it is ‘‘release of additional instalments.’’ While doing that, officials have to ensure that the recipient organisations fulfil the norms and conditions for getting further instalments.

Fresh appointment of non-officials or advisors in committees on part-time basis have also been banned except for those who hold ‘‘definite expertise’’ to advise on technical issues. ‘‘Appointments of non-officials on boards, committees or commissions on full-time basis may also be avoided,’’ it adds.

The directive, issued three days after the Election Commission announced the poll dates on February 29, also spells out some of the key principles from Section VII of the Model Code of Conduct.

Among the seven highlighted restrictions are use of official vehicles or machinery for electioneering or party work; issuing advertisement by using public money, using official mass media for partisan coverage, monopolising public places or government accommodation by excluding Opposition members, and handing out discretionary grants.