Kohima, March 19 (MExN): The Election Commission of India has appointed Dr Niraj Shukla, IAS, as the General Observer and D Sreedhar Reddy, IRS, as the Expenditure Observer for the upcoming bye-election to the 28-Koridang Assembly Constituency.
According to a notification issued by Deputy Commissioner & District Election Officer Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, the observers will be available for interaction with political parties, contesting candidates, and the general public. The sessions for redressal of grievances, clarification of doubts, and lodging of complaints will be held daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Commissioner’s Guest House.
The contact details are as follows: Dr Niraj Shukla, IAS, General Observer - 9862966114 and D Sreedhar Reddy, IRS, Expenditure Observer - 9612797996.
Meanwhile, the General Observer, Dr Neeraj Shukla, held a comprehensive review meeting here today to assess the preparedness for the bye-poll.
The meeting was attended by District Administration Officer, Returning Officer, Assistant Returning Officer, Sector Magistrates, Sector Commanders, Police Officials, and heads of various election-related teams including Flying Squad, Accounting, Control Room, Media Monitoring, Video Surveillance, and Video Viewing teams.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner & District Election Officer briefed the observer on the electioneering machinery established in the district to ensure a smooth electoral process. Senior Superintendent of Police Vesupra Kezo (NPS) also briefed the General Observer on the security arrangements being put in place for the conduct of the election in a free, fair and peaceful manner.
Screening Committee to examine MCC proposals
A Screening Committee has been constituted by the Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland to examine proposals related to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in the state.
The committee, formed in pursuance of the Election Commission of India (ECI)'s letter dated March 16, 2024, will be chaired by the Chief Secretary, Nagaland. The Principal Secretary, Department of Home will serve as Member-Secretary, while the Administrative Head of the Department submitting the proposal will be a member, stated an update received here.
The Screening Committee will examine each proposal related to MCC in light of the ECI's existing instructions and clarifications available in the form of Manual on Model Code of Conduct, Compendium of Instructions on MCC, and instructions available on the ECI website.
Proposals cleared by the committee will be submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland along with full details and a note on urgency explaining why the proposal cannot wait till completion of the poll or election process.
Departments have been advised not to forward any reference directly to the ECI and not to send original files to the CEO's Office. Only a self-contained reference of approved proposals shall be sent. The CEO will forward to the ECI only such proposals that are cleared by the Screening Committee, along with his comments.
