HDMC to ensure Covid norms are followed during civic polls

HUBBALLI: As the process for the long-pending elections for Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has started, officials are gearing up with an action plan not only to enforce the model code of conduct but also Covid guidelines during the elections.
Steps have been taken to ensure social distancing at the offices of the returning officers, mustering centres and polling booths.
The authorities have decided to permit political gatherings with only 100 members, and to use video cameras to keep tabs on maintaining Covid guidelines properly during such gatherings.
HDMC commissioner Suresh Itnal said, “We have decided to intensify action against violation of Covid norms. Sanitizer will be provided at offices of the returning officers and AROs. We will take extra care to ensure social distancing.”
“Using video cameras, all political gatherings will be recorded, and we will initiate stern action and also file cases if norms are violated,” he added.
According to sources, the district administration is said to have assured to sanction video cameras to record all political gatherings.
Itnal said political events have gained momentum. “While issuing permission through a single-window system, strict instructions were given to political parties to adhere strictly to Covid guidelines,” he said.
Ramesh S, a social activist, said the authorities should not neglect Covid measures yielding to any kind of political pressure. “After a bypoll in Belagavi for a parliamentary constituency recently, the spread of Covid was rampant which resulted in a lockdown. Expert opinion still says the second wave is not over, and the third wave too is expected. in such a situation, authorities are holding elections,” he added.