New Delhi, March 15 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has implemented the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) following the announcement of the Assembly elections schedule for five states and one Union Territory. This enforcement includes restrictions on the disbursement of funds through MLA and MP local area development schemes and a directive for the removal of ministers' images from official government websites.

The states of Kerala, West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry are set to hold Assembly elections between April 9 and April 23. Additionally, the ECI has issued MCC enforcement guidelines for six states that will conduct by-elections for eight Assembly seats during this timeframe. Results are expected to be declared on May 4.

In correspondence to both the Union Cabinet Secretary and the Chief Secretaries of the states preparing for elections, the ECI has requested immediate action on the MCC provisions aimed at preventing the defacement of both private and public properties, the misuse of public spaces, official vehicles, and public funds for advertisements, in addition to the removal of political figures' photographs from government websites.

The ECI emphasized that expenditure monitoring and MCC enforcement activities—such as flying squads, FSTs, and video surveillance—should commence immediately following the announcement. They also called for intensive monitoring for illicit liquor, cash, and contraband drugs.

A 24/7 control room at the district level is to be established without delay, equipped with adequate manpower and logistical support from the District Election Officer (DEO) and the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).

The Commission has mandated that, after the MCC comes into effect, ministers must not mix their official duties with electioneering activities, nor utilize official resources for campaign purposes.

Moreover, the ECI has warned against the use of government transport—including official aircraft and vehicles—to benefit the ruling party.

On the topic of development projects, the ECI has stated that no new funds under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (inclusive of Rajya Sabha members) or local area development schemes for MLAs or MLCs will be disbursed in regions where elections are taking place until the conclusion of the election process.

Lastly, the ECI directed that a screening committee be formed under each Chief Secretary to review MCC-related proposals received from the CEO or various departments before they are forwarded to the Commission.