As election fever rises, the government is taking strict measures to ensure that the election process remains fair and transparent. In Jharkhand, the Income Tax Department is now paying close attention to large cash withdrawals, specifically any withdrawal exceeding Rs. 1 lakh from banks. This move is part of the broader strategy to control election-related expenses and prevent misuse of funds during the election period.
Election Commission’s Monitoring Mechanism
To ensure that elections are conducted fairly, the Election Commission has introduced several monitoring measures. These include not only keeping an eye on cash withdrawals but also focusing on alcohol distribution and the gifting of freebies during campaigns. The Commission has implemented a robust system with various teams and committees, such as Expenditure Supervisors, Flying Squads, Video Surveillance Teams, and the District Expenditure Monitoring Committee. These measures will help control any malpractice that could affect the outcome of the elections.
Key agencies such as the Income Tax Department, State Excise Department, and Enforcement Directorate (ED) have been brought in to work together to ensure that there is transparency in election funding. Other important entities, like the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), will also play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the election process.
Monitoring Alcohol and Freebies Distribution
A significant part of election monitoring will involve tracking the production, distribution, and sale of alcohol. The state excise department has been tasked with ensuring that liquor is not misused to sway voters during the election period. Additionally, the distribution of free items will be closely monitored to prevent candidates from unduly influencing voters.
Flying Squads and mobile teams will play a central role in this. These teams will be equipped with GPS tracking and the cVIGIL app to monitor any suspicious activity. The goal is to ensure that no candidate can use cash, alcohol, or other freebies to gain an unfair advantage during the elections.
Strict Monitoring of Bank Transactions and Cash Flow
The District Election Officers (DEOs) have been instructed to keep a close watch on large bank transactions. Any withdrawal or deposit exceeding Rs. 1 lakh will be flagged for further investigation, and if the amount is suspicious or exceeds Rs. 10 lakh, the case will be reported to the Income Tax Department for potential action.
In addition, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND) will provide regular updates on Cash Transaction Reports (CTR) and Suspicious Transaction Reports (STR) to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). This data will help authorities track election expenditures and take swift action against candidates or parties involved in any fraudulent financial activity.
Enhanced Airport Surveillance for Cash Movements
Election-related cash transfers have also been known to happen through airports. To counter this, the Income Tax Department’s Investigation Directorate has activated Air Intelligence Units at airports across States and Union Territories. These units will monitor large cash movements to ensure that money is not being illegally used for election-related activities.
SOP for Cash Seizure and Monitoring
To address the issue of excessive election expenditure, the Election Commission has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for cash seizures. Flying squads and static surveillance teams will keep a vigilant eye on illegal cash distributions, movement of liquor, and transportation of arms. These teams will be supported by District Complaint Committees to investigate any confiscated cash or valuables. If the confiscated items are found to be unrelated to election campaigns or candidates, they will be returned to their rightful owners.
Monitoring Campaign Vehicles and Media Spending
One loophole that some candidates exploit is the use of campaign vehicles. Candidates must now declare all vehicles used for campaigning, and the cost of using these vehicles (rent, fuel, etc.) must be included in their election expenditure. This ensures that no costs are hidden, and all expenses are fully accounted for.
In addition, the expenses incurred for media ads, whether on TV, newspapers, or even digital platforms, will also be monitored. Candidates must also include spending on virtual campaigning in their expenditure reports. To simplify the tracking of such expenses, the Election Commission has launched an Election Expenditure Monitoring Software (IEMS).
Through this online portal, candidates can file their election expenses, and authorities can easily track these reports. For the seizure of cash or other valuables during elections, the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) app will be used to track and digitize information about all confiscated items.
Spending Limits and Reconciliation
For the Jharkhand Assembly elections, the Election Commission has set a spending limit of Rs. 40 lakh per candidate. To avoid discrepancies, expense reconciliation meetings will be conducted by District Election Officers (DEOs) shortly after the declaration of election results.
Media and Social Media Monitoring
Recognizing the power of media and social media during elections, the Commission has implemented strict rules. Media Certification and Monitoring Committees (MCMC) have been established to pre-certify political ads and keep a close eye on fake news. Candidates and parties have been instructed to ensure that their supporters do not spread hate speech or misleading information online.
By implementing these measures, the Election Commission aims to conduct transparent and fair elections, ensuring that no candidate or party uses unlawful methods to gain an unfair advantage.
