Election Commission relaxes model code of conduct

The code of conduct will now apply “only in respect of the areas falling in the assembly constituency(s)/parliamentary constituency going for byelection and not to the entire district(s) in which such constituency is situated”.

This will apply to the implementation of schemes of MNREGA,extending relief and works in case of natural calamities,digging of bore-wells,work under MPLAD,MLA and MLC LAD schemes and “announcement and commencement of new projects,programme,concessions and financial grants”.

The code has often been criticised for stalling development work. The EC’s argument has been that this is mandatory to ensure a level playing field.