DK dist admin wants gatherings notified

Mangaluru: The Election Commission in Dakshina Kannada has made provisions for people to submit applications for various permissions through the Suvidha app. People need not obtain permission for marriages, birthday parties, religious programmes, Bhoota Kola and other events. However, they should notify the returning officers of the respective constituencies about the programmes being held—via the Suvidha app.
Meanwhile, all political gatherings should be held with permission from the Election Commission, said DC Ravi Kumar MR.

“The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) does not prevent organisers from holding Yakshagana, Bhoota Kola, and other religious, social, educational and cultural programmes. The MCC will allow people to hold religious rituals and programmes without restrictions. Political parties and leaders should not misuse such programmes for election campaigns. They should not canvas voters during such programmes. The district administration will act against political leaders and parties if they violate norms,” the DC said.
Organisers of religious and other programmes should obtain permission from returning officers if they have to put up hoardings, banners and posters in public places, he added.
The district administration has already sent a detailed report on all venues to be used for campaigns and rallies of political parties in the district.
The DC said, “Details of mega event venues, where star campaigners address party workers, and helipads have been identified. A report has been submitted to the Election Commission. Details of available venues and helipads have also been shared with political party leaders. Separate permission should be sought for loudspeaker use from the police. Further, permission must also be obtained from the respective returning officers for all campaign materials to be used at the event,” he said.
Hoardings, banners, posters and other publicity materials in private places are allowed only with permission.
Documents related to a particular property must be submitted through a single-window for this purpose.
Returning officers at the local level will conduct inspections and decide on granting permission, Ravi Kumar said.