500 files sent to EC for clearance in one month

After the enforcement of the poll code on March 5, the state secretariat nowadays bears a deserted look, with files piling up in the office of the State Election Commission for permissions for administrative decisions, including in minor matters like transfers and postings of junior staff.

These files have been sent to the chief electoral officer by the heads of various state government departments, and presently, more than 500 are pending clearance.

Due to the enforcement of the model code of conduct, the departments cannot take any decision related to direct public benefit without the Election Commission’s permission.

Election Commission spokesman Neeraj Sharma said permission was granted only for important cases, while those which could be dealt with after elections were declined.

“Of the total, more than half were rejected and the rest of the cases were decided by the Commission,” he said, adding that 21 cases were forwarded to the Central Election Commission for necessary permissions.

An Election Commission official told HT that some of the cases were related to release of funds for development work. “Some of files received were regarding lapse of funds by March 31. Before a decision is taken, each file has to be verified. We found some cases relevant and forwarded them to the Central Election Commission for permission,” he added.

In Himachal Pradesh, the Election Commission has already given its nod to the state government to distribute new ration cards prepared before March 5, but not distributed. The government had sought permission to distribute the cards so that consumers could get subsidised ration on time.

An Election Commission official said the majority of files received were related to transfers or promotions of government employees, who form a major vote bank in the state. “They were not considered that important because transfers and promotions can be processed after elections,” he said, adding that some cases were considered as an exception due to certain reasons.

Permission sought for road repair

A week ago, the union ministry of highways wrote to the Election Commission, seeking its nod to continue awarding work in the state. In Himachal Pradesh, road repair work can be done only in April and May because winter lasts till March and monsoon starts in June. Due to heavy rain last monsoon and snow in winter, the highways in the state are in a poor condition.