'References regarding MCC to be resolved in within 48 hours'

Election Commission today said efforts will be made to resolve the references made to it with regard to model code of conduct (MCC) in the Haryana assembly polls within 48 hours.
Deputy Election Commissioner of India Vinod Zutshi, who held a meeting with senior officers of Haryana government here today, said "the concerned Secretary of the department could make a reference to the Commission in writing through the Chief Electoral Officer, Haryana and efforts would be made to resolve the same within 48 hours."
The meeting was organised to sensitise the officers regarding the guidelines of Election Commission on Model Code of Conduct for the state government including the parties in power and the government officials at all levels, an official release said here.

He further said that the meeting was organised as the Commission had observed that there was communication gap concerning the implementation of MCC and it was necessary to coordinate to bridge that gap for effective implementation of the MCC.
The officers and official and the state government as a whole, which is going into polls, should have better clarity that as to whether the governance can go on and the decision which could be taken or which could be deferred.
Detailing about the "Do's and Don'ts" for government on welfare schemes and works, Zutshi said announcement of new projects or programmes or concession or financial grant in any form or promise thereof, laying of foundation stone which have the effect of influencing the voters in favour of party in power was prohibited.

He, however, made it clear that the schemes which were going on could be completed. Similarly, the ongoing schemes or programmes which actually started before announcement of elections may continue.

Apart from this, relief and rehabilitation measures for the people in areas affected by natural calamity such as flood and drought could commence and continue, he informed.
The ECI official cautioned that advertisement at the cost of public exchequer in the newspapers and other media, and the misuse of official mass media during the assembly elections in the state for partisan coverage of political news and publicity regarding achievements with a view to furthering the prospects of the party in power should be scrupulously avoided.

Meanwhile, notices for violating MCC have been served on three persons in Kurukshetra district including INLD's district president, and all of them have been asked to reply within seven days.