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Lucknow : In preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Navdeep Rinwa has issued a directive requiring all candidates to open separate bank accounts. This move aims to enhance transparency and facilitate monitoring of poll expenditure.
CEO Rinwa emphasized that candidates must establish these separate bank accounts, either under their own name or jointly with an agent, to streamline financial transactions during the election process. Notably, candidates are permitted to open these accounts up to one day before filing their nominations, and they have the flexibility to choose any bank or post office for this purpose.
To ensure compliance, banks are instructed to dedicate a counter specifically for candidates and prioritize transactions related to their election accounts. Furthermore, banks will issue 200 copies of non-personalized cheque books to candidates upon opening their accounts. Additionally, stringent monitoring measures are in place, with banks mandated to report any suspicious transactions, especially withdrawals exceeding Rs 10 lakh, to the District Election Officer (DEO).
During the election period, banks will generate QR receipts via the eSMS portal for the transportation of cash. These receipts will be provided to the accompanying officers responsible for transporting cash. Any discrepancies between the transported cash and the QR receipts during inspections will lead to immediate seizure of the cash.
With the imposition of the model code of conduct, substantial efforts have been made to ensure compliance with electoral regulations. Over 2.23 lakh licensed weapons have been surrendered, while illicit arms manufacturing units have been sealed, signaling a proactive approach towards maintaining law and order during the electoral process.
