ECI’s directives regarding relief to hailstorm-affected people

Bhopal: Election Commission has said that it has no objection to distribution of relief to hailstorm-affected people and against loss of cattle heads and damage to houses. However, the commission has laid down some conditions for it.

As per conditions, relief will be distributed without any announcement or declaration involving Chief Minister/Ministers. Maximum transparency should be observed in distribution of relief such as publication of list of beneficiaries in villages. Only government officials will disburse cheques through banks to the affected families/victims without involving any political functionaries directly or indirectly.

The commission has said that revenue machinery’s involvement should not slow down the election-related works. Therefore, support of agriculture and rural development departments who have field staff, should be provided to collectors for distribution of relief.