Ghatshila Assembly by-election: 13 in fray trained on poll code and expenditure rules

Jamshedpur:  A comprehensive training program was organized for all candidates and their election agents contesting the 45-Ghatshila (ST) Assembly by-election 2025 at the Sub-Divisional Auditorium, Ghatshila. The session aimed to ensure that all participants are well-informed about the legal, procedural, and ethical aspects of the election process.

The training was addressed by General Observer  Rakhi Biswas, Police Observer  Gajrao Bhupal, Expenditure Observer  Dilip Kumar Rathore, District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner  Karn Satyarthi, Senior Superintendent of Police  Piyush Pandey, Superintendent of Police (Rural)  Kumar Saurabh, and Returning Officer of the 45-Ghatshila Assembly Constituency.

During the session, candidates and their election agents were briefed on key aspects of the electoral process, including the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), the C-Vigil app, expenditure accounting, pre-certification of election campaign materials, Form 17C, and the appointment of Booth Level Agents (BLAs).

Detailed information was provided on the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct, the dos and don’ts during the election campaign, and the penalties for violations. Officials explained the process of lodging complaints regarding MCC violations through the C-Vigil mobile application, along with timelines for redressal and the monitoring mechanism in place.

The session also covered expenditure-related guidelines such as the prescribed election expenditure limit, accounting procedures, submission of expenditure accounts, and the role of the Expenditure Observer. Participants were apprised of the approval process for media advertisements by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) and measures for identifying and preventing paid news.

Emphasis was laid on the use of Form 17C on polling day, its importance in recording and counting votes, and the responsibilities associated with it. The role, duties, and code of conduct for each candidate’s Booth Level Agent were also elaborated upon.

The objective of the training was to ensure that all candidates and their agents are well acquainted with the procedures designed to uphold transparency, fairness, and legality throughout the election process. The authorities expressed confidence that the by-election would be conducted peacefully, orderly, and in strict adherence to the guidelines of the Election Commission of India.