With the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in force in Punjab for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2024, the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C on Friday advised the citizens to avoid carrying cash amounts exceeding Rs 50,000 without supporting documents, such as bank withdrawal receipts and receipt books for traders, while traveling within the state.   Sibin C, during his second Facebook live session – Talk to your CEO Punjab, addressed various queries from voters and urged them to report any violations through the C-vigil app, the 1950 toll-free number, and the National Grievance Service Portal (NGSP) of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure smooth and fair elections.   Responding to a query about carrying mobile phones to polling booths, the CEO emphasized that the ECI explicitly prohibits voters from carrying mobile phones and other communication gadgets inside polling booths on election days.   Regarding the issue of political party publicity, Sibin C clarified that flex boards and hoardings can only be placed at designated locations after obtaining permission from the District Election Officers (DEOs) or the CEOs office while the MCC is in effect.   The Chief Electoral Officer also stated that no political party or candidate is allowed to seek votes based on religion, as this constitutes a clear violation of the MCC. He urged the citizens to report such violations immediately via the C-vigil app, assuring that the CEOs office would take action against violators within 100 minutes.   In an interaction with a resident who expressed gratitude for deploying female staff on polling duty near their residences, the CEO mentioned that, following ECI directives, special attention has been given to appointing female staff at the nearest polling booths.   In response to a query about whether government employees can canvass for any political party or leader, the CEO firmly stated that no government employee is permitted to campaign for political parties. Stern action, including lodging an FIR, will be initiated against violators, he added.   Amid rising temperatures, Sibin C highlighted various initiatives taken to increase voter turnout and provide relief at polling stations from the heatwave. He mentioned that each polling station would be equipped with water coolers, fans, seating arrangements, and sheds to provide relief to voters.

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