SEC directs Orissa govt to stop BPL survey

The state election commissioner (sec) has directed the state government to stop the survey for enumeration of families living below poverty line (BPL) till the process of three tier panchayat elections are over.

The SEC pointed out that the survey may influence the panchayat elections starting from February 11 and directed to stop it till the model code of conduct is operational, the SEC pointed out.

The model code of conduct has come into effect from December 24 and will remain in force till February 19, 2012, last and final day of polling.

Besides directing the government, the election commission has also sent notifications to the collectors of the seven districts to stop the survey work. The districts where the survey is being conducted are Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Bolangir, Gajapati, Kalahandi and Kandhamal. The fresh BPL survey had started in the month of November after a long gap of 14 years.

It may be noted that the elections in the state will be held over five phases beginning from February 11.The SEC on December 24 had notified the polls to be held in February 11,13,15,17 and 19.As per the notifications elections will be held in all gram panchayats except Dhinkia under Ersama district.