DC Mokokchung calls for decorum, issues guidelines to printing presses

DIMAPUR — A meeting of the district level standing committee was convened on Monday at the conference hall of the DC’s office in Mokokchung to discuss preparations for the forthcoming 18th Lok Sabha elections.

According to a DIPR report, Thsuvisie Phoji, the deputy commissioner and district election officer of Mokokchung, stressed the importance of conducting a free, fair, and peaceful election. He urged all political party leaders to uphold a positive image and set an example for their members.

He encouraged collaboration among districts and adherence to election decorum in accordance with the Election Commission’s guidelines.

The assistant election officer of Mokokchung, Renben Mozhui, underscored the significance of combating child labour during the election period. He emphasised the need to raise awareness among party workers.

Assistant commissioner Ajit Kumar delivered a concise overview of the model code of conduct (MCC) during the election period, urging against religious and communal tensions and emphasising the avoidance of bribery and intimidation.

A presentation on the cVIGIL app, a mobile application developed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for reporting violations of the MCC during elections, was also conducted. Users can report violations by selecting the type of violation, providing incident details, and submitting relevant media.

SP Mokokchung, Vesupra Kezo, reiterated the importance of cooperation with law enforcement and emphasised the necessity of a peaceful election. He cautioned against the misuse of social media and its potential adverse effects.

Guidelines for printing presses

Meanwhile, Phoji has also notified all printing presses in and around Mokokchung district to adhere to the guidelines regarding the printing of election posters, pamphlets, etc.

According to a DIPR report, he has directed all printing presses to clearly indicate the materials (election posters, pamphlets, etc.), along with the names and addresses of the printers and publishers of any such materials printed by the press.

Printing presses need to furnish four copies of the printed materials along with the declaration of the publishers attached within three days of the printing thereof to the office of the DC and DEO.

Additionally, the printing presses need to furnish information regarding the number of copies of the documents printed and the price charged for each printing job, not collectively but separately in respect of each election pamphlet, poster, etc., printed by them within three days of the printing of each such document.

All printing presses within the district have been asked to comply with the instructions and guidelines. Failure to do so will result in action being taken as per the relevant laws of the state.

Stationing of government employees

In another order, the DC and DEO also directed all government employees posted under Mokokchung district to be stationed with immediate effect.

The DC also stated that all heads of offices should ensure their presence, as well as that of their subordinate officers and staff, at their respective places of posting.

Permission for station leave on official duty needs to be obtained from the DC with clear and specific details of such duty. Any government employee on leave of absence on medical grounds would be recalled to appear in person before the medical board.

Disciplinary action would be initiated against any errant officials as per Section 134 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.