Shillong, January 3 (NNN): On Tuesday, the East Khasi Hills District Election Officer (DEO) directed all political parties to obtain written permission prior to putting up any flags, banners and signage in Shillong and the district.
The DEO in an order stated, “…it is directed that all political parties obtain written permission from the office of the Deputy Commissioner (Elections) prior to putting up any flags, banners and signage, and that such, flags, banners, hoardings and signage are to be removed immediately on completion of programmes or as per the terms given in the conditions. Strict compliance to guidelines of the Election Commission of India as per orders issued by this office from time to time is to be ensured.”
It has been noticed that various political parties have put up banners, flags, hoardings, and signage in different parts of Shillong and in the district as a whole. On completion of their programmes, the political parties fail to remove the paraphernalia, thereby, causing inconvenience to the general public particularly in thoroughfares of the city.
It said that the party flags, banners and hoardings have also been put up on some public utilities without permission from the concerned authority and which may be a safety hazard.
It was noticed that signage and flags have been put at government premises and establishments, which is against the established rules and guidelines of the Election Commission of India.
