Lok Sabha polls 2019: Model code of conduct puts a brake on KALIA scheme in Odisha
Minati Singha | TNN | Mar 12, 2019, 21:41 ISTBHUBANESWAR: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Odisha, Surendra Kumar on Tuesday made it clear that no new beneficiaries can be included nor applications sought for any welfare scheme when the model code of conduct (MCC) is in force. This puts a full stop on adding new beneficiaries under Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA), Naveen Patnaik’s flagship cash assistance for farmers’ scheme.
“No new scheme can be launched when the MCC is in force and if we go by the spirit of MCC then seeking application from beneficiaries is also not right. Inviting applications amounts to giving indication that we will give you benefit even after the MCC,” said Kumar. The CEO, however, maintained that there will be no restriction on disbursement of allowances under various ongoing welfares schemes.
So far 37 lakh farmers have received cash under Kalia scheme. Government has targeted to cover total 45 lakh farmers this financial year by the end of March 31. The process for which is on and the final list for the rest eight lakh farmers is yet to be prepared. Now with the MCC came into force there will be restriction on inclusion of new beneficiaries in the list.
Finance minister Sashi Bhushan Behera said, “Applications for the Kalia scheme will be received till March 31. And if there is restriction from the CEO then the final list will be declared after the elections. There is no question of making any poll code violation for Kalia.” The chief minister had earlier announced to disburse the second phase of Kalia assistance on April 1.
The CEO on Tuesday met representatives of different political parties and discussed in detail the rules revised by the Election Commission of India (ECI), provisions of the model code of conduct, poll expenditure, electoral roll and safety and security of EVM.
The CEO directed all candidates to file nominations as per the amended Form-26 as per which all candidates have to publish their criminal records in print and electronic media thrice before the polls. The candidates also have to show income tax return of the last five years and also give their Pan Card details.
Regarding use of social media by the political parties, the CEO said, “We have designated an officer to monitor social media use by different political parties and candidates. It is a challenge as well as a learning process for the chief electoral officer to monitor the social media.”
The CEO also requested political parties to use C-Vigil app to report all instances of violation of the MCC. “All complaints of poll code violation will be inquired,” Kumar said.
“No new scheme can be launched when the MCC is in force and if we go by the spirit of MCC then seeking application from beneficiaries is also not right. Inviting applications amounts to giving indication that we will give you benefit even after the MCC,” said Kumar. The CEO, however, maintained that there will be no restriction on disbursement of allowances under various ongoing welfares schemes.
So far 37 lakh farmers have received cash under Kalia scheme. Government has targeted to cover total 45 lakh farmers this financial year by the end of March 31. The process for which is on and the final list for the rest eight lakh farmers is yet to be prepared. Now with the MCC came into force there will be restriction on inclusion of new beneficiaries in the list.
Finance minister Sashi Bhushan Behera said, “Applications for the Kalia scheme will be received till March 31. And if there is restriction from the CEO then the final list will be declared after the elections. There is no question of making any poll code violation for Kalia.” The chief minister had earlier announced to disburse the second phase of Kalia assistance on April 1.
The CEO on Tuesday met representatives of different political parties and discussed in detail the rules revised by the Election Commission of India (ECI), provisions of the model code of conduct, poll expenditure, electoral roll and safety and security of EVM.
The CEO directed all candidates to file nominations as per the amended Form-26 as per which all candidates have to publish their criminal records in print and electronic media thrice before the polls. The candidates also have to show income tax return of the last five years and also give their Pan Card details.
Regarding use of social media by the political parties, the CEO said, “We have designated an officer to monitor social media use by different political parties and candidates. It is a challenge as well as a learning process for the chief electoral officer to monitor the social media.”
The CEO also requested political parties to use C-Vigil app to report all instances of violation of the MCC. “All complaints of poll code violation will be inquired,” Kumar said.
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