Local body members can't utilise funds ahead of polls: Maha EC

Elected representatives of local self-governing bodies cannot utilise discretionary funds for development works three months ahead of their tenure's end or from date of announcement of the election schedule, which ever is earlier.
This was announced by Maharashtra state Election Commissioner J S Saharia in a statement here today.
District collectors and municipal commissioners will issue the orders regarding the date from which the fund will not be used, he said.
"After orders are issued, elected representatives will not be able to submit work proposals to the concerned authorities for approval. If the proposal is approved before announcement of the date of non-utilisation of the fund and work is yet to start, the authorities will not give orders to start the work," he said.

"If the work has started before the orders, it can be continued," he added.
Saharia said strict action will be taken against the authorities who fail to follow the orders.
The order is according to the Centre's guideline on August 28, 1969 which states that utilisation of discretionary fund should not be allowed on the eve of elections to influence voters, he said.
Elections of municipal corporations, municipal councils, nagar panchayats, panchayat samitis and zilla parishads of the state are scheduled to be held in the next few months.