A CPI(M) delegation from Jharkhand submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission on November 12, requesting the poll panel to ensure strict measures to curb the use of money and muscle power in the upcoming assembly elections in the state.
The delegation -- comprising R S Munda, Prakash Viplav, Prafful Linda and Birendra Kumar -- referred to the recent amendments to the Jharkhand Property Defacement & Prevention Act, 1987 and requested the EC to advise all returning officers and administrative officials including the police that electoral campaign material like flags, banners, posters, etc. can be displayed on private buildings on written permission of the house-owner.
The Party demanded that the Labour Department declare polling days as public holiday in all private establishments and institutions and enforce it strictly to enable the unorganised-sector workers to cast their votes.
The delegation asked the EC to ensure timely provision of Election Duty Certificates (EDC) and postal ballots for all employees on election duty. All daily wage employees appointed on election duty must be provided with EDC and it should be ensured that in case of any accidents, suitable compensation is provided to their family members, the Party said. (END)