Bhopal: Nomination papers, security deposit to be filed in one go

Bhopal: In a first- the candidates filing nomination papers to contest Lok Sabha elections- can also submit their security deposit along with their nomination papers to the returning officer. CCTV recording of filing of the nomination has also been made mandatory.

This information besides others was disseminated to the returning officers and district election officers on the first day of two day training programme conducted by the election commission at RCVP Academy of Administration on Friday. Senior principal secretary of Election Commission of India, KF Wilfred briefed the returning officers about caution that they should take during filing of nomination papers by the candidates.

Briefing the candidates he said that in previous elections there were general complaints from the candidates that they got late for filing papers as they had to wait in the queue for depositing the security money in treasury. Therefore this time new provision of submitting security money along with nomination papers has been made.

Security deposit for Lok Sabha election is Rs 25,000. Wilfred said that all nominations should be done within prescribed time limit and CCTV recording should be done to avoid any contradictions. Chief electoral officer, VL Kantha Rao said that taking help from a software had helped election commission to prioritise pregnant women, specially-able and senior citizens on the voting day.

All returning officers should keep vigil on flow of funds, drugs and law and order situation in their areas. Sunil Verma and Ankush Jaiswal gave tips on social media monitoring and MCMC while Pragya trained the officers on use, misuse and abuse of WhatsApp. Detailed information on VVPAT and EVMs was given by deputy CEO Pramod Shukla and prgammer Pravas Jain. IG Chanchal Shekhar and master trainer from Rajasthan Ajay Aswal also provided training.

FLC of EVMs starts from today

First level checking (FLC) of EVMs (Electronic Machines) started in Bhopal on Friday. Collector and district electoral officer Sudam Khade conducted the FLC at old jail premises in presence of representatives of various political parties. Collector has informed representatives of all political parties to remain present during FLCs that will continue till February 28.