‘Keep strict vigil on suspicious transactions of money during elections’

Srinagar, Aug 30: The Expenditure Observers for District Srinagar for General Elections to Legislative Assembly-2024, Capt. Pradeep Shoury Arya and Subodh Singh today held meetings related to surveillance of expenditure of contesting candidates and political parties as per guidelines of Election Commission of India.

The meetings were aimed to curb the inducement of voters through money and illegal means used for canvassing and to ensure free and fair elections for the eight Assembly Constituencies of the Srinagar.

District Election Officer Srinagar (DEO), Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat participated in the meeting virtually. While SSP Srinagar, Aashish Kumar Mishra, ADDC Srinagar, Ghulam Hassan Sheikh, Nodal Officer MCMC, Officers from various Departments viz Income Tax, Excise, Drug Control Organization, Civil Aviation, Sales Taxes, Central & State GST, Lead Bank besides, Expenditure Observer and Assistant Expenditure Observers of all 8 Assembly Constituencies attended the meeting.

Besides they directed to sensitise and educate candidates in fray after the last date of withdrawal of nomination so they too shall remain aware regarding the expenditure guidelines.

The EOs stressed on maintaining shadow registers by AEOs for accounting of expenditure of candidates for reconciliation later on, They urged AEOs to remain updated with expenditure rules and execution of policies on the ground besides being well informed about the boundaries of Assembly Constituencies, Electorates, important public places and political activities. EOs stressed on strict vigil on suspicious transactions of money, CCTV coverage of Liquor vending shops and infiltration of illegal forest produce in Srinagar.