Conduct civic elections transparently: Collector M Prashanthi

Nirmal: The coming municipal elections should be conducted freely and transparently,District Collector M Prashanthi directed the flying squad,NST, VST and MCC teams at a training programme at the Collector's conference hall in Nirmal on Monday.

Speaking at the programme, she instructed the elections staff to conduct the coming municipal elections strictly and the checking teams have to do their duty carefully after the election notification is released. The officials concerned were told to remove flexis, posters, hoardings 12 hours after the election notification is released and to tighten security at entry and exit points of the municipal office.

Joint Collector A Bhaskar Rao said according to the State Election Commission, model code of conduct should be implemented strictly. Statistical survey teams and VST teams have to obey their duties effectively.

Bhaskar Rao also ordered the staff to seize unaccounted money more than Rs 50,000 and gift packs and jewellery worth more than Rs 10,000 and more than six full bottles liquor, being carried by individuals.

Municipal Commissioner Ravi Babu said there are 88,029 voters, including 4,538 women and 42,591 men in Nirmal district. 128 polling centres,155 polling officers, 460 APOs, 12 route officers and 120 zonal officers will be appointed, he explained.

Bhainsa RDO Raju, Municipal Commissioner Mallesham, Municipal ED Santosh Kumar, MPDOs, Tahsildars and others were present at the meeting.