Bid to utilise LADS funds violation of model code: chief electoral officer

With the Assembly elections less than a month away and the Model Code of Conduct on legislators in place since the announcement of the Assembly elections two weeks back...

With the Assembly elections less than a month away and the Model Code of Conduct on legislators in place since the announcement of the Assembly elections two weeks back, the Chief Electoral Office of Delhi has taken strong exception to the government8217;s move of constituting a special team to completely utilise funds of the outgoing MLAs in the Capital and has asked for an explanation from the department.

As reported by Newsline on Thurday, the Urban Development department of the Delhi government has recently formed a special team to utilise the remaining 8216;Local Area Development Scheme8217; or LADS funds just before the Assembly elections. As reported earlier, barely 50 per cent of the LADS fund had been used until September this year. The commitee has been reportedly formed at the behest of Congress MLA and minister for Urban Development department, Raj Kumar Chauhan.

Delhi8217;s Chief Electoral Officer CEO Satbir Silas Bedi said the move is a violation of the Model Code of Conduct which has been in place since the announcement of the elections on October 14.

Once an election is formally announced, ministers and other authorities cannot sanction grants or funds out of dicretionary funds like LADs or make any promises of construction of roads, provision of drinking water facilities or even make ad-hoc appointments in the government or public undertakings, as in this case.

8220;We have asked the Delhi government to submit a report on the matter and if the matter is found objectionable, we will then take necessary action,8221; Bedi said.

The Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines meant to govern the conduct of political parties and candidates in the run-up to the elections.

While the intention is to provide a level playing field to all candidates and political parties, the main aim is to ensure the ruling party at the Centre or the state does not misuse its powers. Election candidates are allowed to campaign by praising their leaders in mass meetings and releasing their manifestos only.