Directs political parties to refrain from engaging children in election campaign
Asks parties to submit reply of notices timely to avoid action
Ludhiana, April 15 (Punjab khabarnama) : District Election Officer, Sakshi Sawhney on Monday held a meeting with representatives of various political parties to discuss the schedule of upcoming poll-related activities.
During the meeting, Sawhney reiterated a zero-tolerance policy on the use of children in any election-related activities. She warned that political parties or candidates must not engage children in any form of election campaign, including holding a child in their arms, carrying a child in a vehicle or a rally, slogan shouting, distributing posters or pamphlets, or any other election-related activity. Sawhney made it clear that any violation of this policy will invite serious action against the offenders.
Sawhney also directed the representatives of political parties to submit replies to notices within 24 hours. She also shared the schedule of the various poll-related activities, including the first randomization of polling personnel and dispatch of duties handing over of Form 12A to polling personnel to be held on April 25, the first randomization of EVMs and distribution to Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) on May 2, and the first training of polling personnel by AROs and collection of filled 12A forms on May 5.
Sawhney also informed the representatives that the gazette notification for the elections would be issued on May 7, the deadline for nominations would be May 14, and scrutiny of nominations would take place on May 15. Candidates could withdraw their nominations until May 17, and polling day would be held on June 1, with counting of votes on June 4.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (G) Major Amit Sareen and others were also present in the meeting.
