Interview with UT state Election Commissioner Rakesh Mehta: Squad to ensure strict implementation of code of conduct

My recommendation was based on the census data which stated that seven out of 12 villages have become census towns. The idea was  to do the delimitation because after every census, the normal delimitation is required to  be done. However, with the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act extending to Chandigarh, it is not compulsory. Therefore, a judgement has to be taken by the government if it is required. They probably felt that currently certain outlying areas will be urbanised. Many of the areas are still in a neutral zone and a decision has to be taken whether they need to be merged. Now our election is time-bound, but that process is not. So, they probably felt that it is not possible to do it in a haphazard manner and better not to get into complication and go ahead with it as it is. What they have done is that Scheduled Caste reservation will done on the basis of 2011 census even though the delimitation is on the basis of what it was during the last polls.

Were the officials under some political pressure to increase the wards?

We recommended that the wards need to be increased. There was no pressure. It was just a suggestion.
I have come to know that some villages have been  resettled. In fact there are some areas that are developed by the Chandigarh Housing Board, but their status is not clear as to where they are part of the municipality or panchayat. Now that is a political decision. I told the officials to do it by August 31, but they probably could not decide.

Because of the delay, about 30,000 voters from Dhanas will not be able to cast their vote.

Well… that the administration has to decide. As of now, I don’’ think they would be able to cast their vote. But whether they would be treated as part of panchayat since the panchayat elections are due early next year, this decision has to be taken by the administration.

During the last municipal elections, the voting percentage was only 58 per cent. What steps are being taken by the Election Commission to increase the turnout this time?

This time, we have decided to send slips to the voter’s houses. Booth-level officers would distribute the slips to the voters. We are also planning to encourage people to come and get their verification done online through the use of Aadhaar card on a pilot basis at the booth. The concept is to standardise it. Awareness campaigns would also be held. Adequate measures will be adopted to increase the voting percentage by creating awareness regarding the elections through various activities like advertisements, publicity material and promotions.

What would be done against those who would violate the code of conduct?

The Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act has been extended to Chandigarh. This act ensures on the spot action rather than post event judicial procedure. Earlier the West Bengal Prevention of Defacement of Property Act was extended to Chandigarh. However, in the new act, the rules are stringent against those who deface by putting up posters and banners. In the new act, there is a provision of a fine of 50,000 per offence on the spot. We are going to set up a mobile squad with each returning officer. The squad will consist of police, MCC people, labour and RO. So if he gets information that the code of conduct is being violated, action would be taken on the spot. The team would ensure that the code of conduct is implemented strictly.

It was learnt that some candidates had not submitted their expenditure details last time. Why no action was taken?

In Chandigarh, there is no provision of law where action can be taken. Like in Delhi, if one doesn’t submit his account details, he is disqualified for six years, but here there is no such law. It was written to the Ministry of Home Affairs that some provision should be made, but they said that let Punjab do it first and then it can be implemented in Chandigarh.

Will the expenditure limit for the candidates be increased this time?

The present expenditure limit is Rs 1.75 lakh per candidate. So it is being decided that the expenditure limit for the candidate be increased this time. The exact amount has not been decided yet, but it would be declared soon. For the candidate, there would be a limit, but for a political party there is no limit.

What is the tentative schedule for the elections?

The reservation of seven wards (for women and Scheduled Caste) would be held through the draw of lots on October 14. Though the exact date is not decided yet, the municipal elections would be held in the third week of December, since  the term of the civic body is ending on December 31 and elections have to be held 15 days before that. The result would be declared two days after the elections. The code of conduct would be in force in the third week of November. Meeting with the political parties will also be held on October 14.

Any general preparations that have been initiated?

We have written for 1,000 electronic voting machines (EVM). Last time, there were only 500 EVMS. We have about 590 polling booths this time. The details of the booths which are sensitive or ultra sensitive will be discussed later.