The Gujarat Government has been directed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to provide a list of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to fill up vacant positions in the state within 48 hours.
After proclamation of the model code of conduct, it’s necessary for the State Governments to get ECI’s approval before moving forward with the appointments and promotions. This is a standard procedure to ensure that transfers and promotions of the officers do not influence the election process.
Some important posts have been vacant, including the post of Surat Police Commissioner, for two months. The post of three range IGs, Kheda SP, Mehsana SP and many such other posts have also remained vacant.
This situation was a outcome of many events that includes, four IPSs officers who proceeded on central deputation last year and five officers were placed on leave reserve by the Election Commission of India on March 16 due to their posting in one Lok Sabha constituency for three years
In Gujarat, nomination for 26 Lok Sabha seats and 5 assembly seats kicked off on Friday. According to CEO P Bharathi, the nominations can take place until 19th of April. The analyzation of the nomination will take place on the 20th and the candidates can withdraw their nomination papers by the 22nd of April.
Mr. Bharathi also added that the second randomization of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will take place after the list of candidates is finalized.
After the implementation of the model code of conduct, articles worth Rs 86.82 crore have seen seized, said the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). A total of 756 flying squads had been set up by the state chief electoral officer to ensure that the candidates stick to their expenditure limits.
According to the officials, the seizures include cash amounting to Rs. 6.54 crore. While other seizures include 3.84 lakh litres of liquor that amounts to Rs. 11.73 crores, 45.37 kg of gold, silver worth Rs. 27.62 crore, and 564.49 kg of intoxicants valued at Rs. 1.73 crore.
