Odisha Panchayat Poll: State Election Commission increases expense limit of candidates

Bhubaneswar: Days after political parties in Odisha urged State Election Commissioner AP Padhi to increase the limit of expenses of candidates during the forthcoming panchayat poll, the State Election Commission (SEC) revised expense limits of the candidates.

In an order, the SEC office stated limit for expenses for Zilla Parishad Member has been raised to Rs 5 lakh whereas the same for Panchayat Samiti Member candidate was increased to Rs 2 lakh and Sarpanch Rs 2 lakh.

It also stated in another order poll candidates contesting for Zilla Parishad Member can use up to five jeeps or cars and 10 two-wheelers Panchay Samiti Member candidates can use maximum two jeeps or cars and five two-wheelers. Poll candidates for Sarpanch can use up to two jeeps or cars and five motorcycles. Use of auto-rickshaws will be allowed as well.

However, the Zilla Parishad Member candidates will submit details of the vehicles to the Sub-Collector whereas Panchayt Samiti Member and Sarpanch candidates will submit the details to Block Development officer.

The SEC office order stated the expenses towards use of vehicles will be included in the panchayat poll expenses.

It said 36 hours prior to the voting, panchayat poll candidates will have to free the vehicles and inform the poll officials about the same.

The SEC office further stated the three-tier panchayat poll will be held from 7AM to 1 PM at each polling station.

“In exercise of powers conferred under Article 243-K of Constitution of India read with Rule 18 of the Odisha Gram Panchayat Election Rules, 1965, Rule 17 of the Odisha Panchayat Samiti Election Rules, 1991 and Rule 20 of the Odisha Zilla Parishad Election Rules, 1994 the State Election Commission hereby order that polling at each Polling Station shall take place during 7 AM to 1 PM for General Elections and byelections to Panchayati Raj Institutions until further orders,” the SEC order mentioned.

Earlier, the panchayat polling time was 7 AM-12 Noon.

During the all-party meeting on November 6, the political parties urged the State Election Commissioner to increase the duration of the polling period.

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