Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 17 March 2024
A crucial sensitisation cum training workshop was convened on March 16, 2024, at the TGCE auditorium. The workshop targeted the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and Election Expenditure Monitoring (EEM) teams, encompassing Flying Squad, Static Surveillance, Video Surveillance, and Video Viewing teams.
Mr. Vinayak Chamadia, IAS, the SDM/Nodal Officer (MCC), took the lead in inaugurating the training session. He emphasised the imperative points crucial for ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. Chamadia highlighted the significance of the MCC coming into force with the declaration of elections, stressing that teams, especially the Flying Squad and Static Surveillance Teams, should commence operations immediately. Emphasising the urgency, he urged teams to actively engage with the cVigil App to monitor any MCC or EEM related complaints for swift action. Additionally, he underscored the necessity for teams to submit their daily activity reports as per the prescribed format.
“These ground teams play a pivotal role in curbing inducements that may sway voters, thereby facilitating elections conducted with integrity, transparency, and fairness,” stated Mr. Chamadia. He called for seamless coordination among the teams to ensure effective implementation of the MCC, which has become operational with the announcement of the Lok Sabha General Election-2024.
Mr. M. Mohammed Ashraf, the Nodal Officer Training on Election Expenditure Monitoring, provided detailed insights into the roles of participants within the election expenditure machinery sanctioned by the Commission. He distributed various reporting formats and elaborated on their significance. Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) concerning the seizure of cash, liquor, or any other inducements were also elucidated upon. Participants were reminded of the weighty responsibility they carry to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
Furthermore, Mr. Amar Kumar Singh provided a comprehensive overview of the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) through video files and elucidated the functionalities of the cVigil app via a PowerPoint presentation.