SEC relaxes Model Code of Conduct in Haryana

The State Election Commission (SEC) here today relaxed the Model Code of Conduct which is in force for the upcoming Panchayat polls in Haryana for projects of "great public interest".
State Election Commissioner Rajeev Sharma said that after the Model Code of Conduct was imposed, different sections, wings and sub-offices of government departments were approaching the Commission for relaxation on separate issues.
To reduce the rush of such requests, the poll panel has decided that only those requests would be considered, which are of "great public interest" and are sent through proper channel by the Heads of the Departments concerned, he said.

Sharma also made it clear that the Model Code of Conduct is enforced only in rural areas, therefore issues related to urban or municipal areas should not be sent for relaxation.
Administrative secretaries of all departments have been issued a letter to this effect and asked to ensure their compliance through respective Heads of Departments, Sharma said.
Elections for Panchayati Raj institutions in the state are slated to be held on January 10, 17 and 24, 2016.