Tuesday, September 13 2005 17:57 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Amid allegations of Union Ministers violating the model code of conduct in poll-bound Bihar, the Election Commission has reminded the Centre of the 'dos and don'ts' to be observed in the run-up to the assembly elections in the state.

In a letter to the Cabinet Secretary and Chief Secretary of Bihar, the EC said the model code stipulated that Ministers and other authorities shall not announce any financial grants in any form or promises, lay foundation of projects or schemes.

The code also bars them from making any promise of construction of roads, provision of drinking water facilities or make any ad-hoc appointments in government, public undertakings which may influence the voters in favour of the party in power.

The Commission also directed that there shall be total ban on the transfer of officers connected with the conduct of the election, EC sources said.

These include Chief Electoral Officer and Additional, Joint, Deputy Chief Electoral Officers, Divisional Commissioners, District Election Officers, Returning Officers, officers of the Police Department connected with the management of elections like range IGs and DIGs, SSP and SP, DSP and other police officers.

The transfer orders issued prior to the date of announcement but not implemented till date should not be given effect to without obtaining specific permission from the Commission.

Making it clear that the ban shall be effective till the completion of the election, the EC directed that the state government should refrain from transferring senior officers who have a role in election management in the state.

In those cases where transfer of an officer is necessary on account of administrative exigencies, the state government may, with full justification, approach the Commission for prior clearance, the sources added.

The Commission asked the Cabinet Secretary, Chief Secretary and CEO of Bihar to bring the instructions to the notice of the government, all ministries and departments of the Centre and the Bihar Government.

Last week, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had complained to the EC that Railway Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad and another Union Minister belonging to his party had used the official vehicle to visit Commission's headquarters to demand rescheduling the polls.

Reports have also appeared in the media that Agriculture Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar had flouted the code by announcing in Muzaffarpur that sugar mills in the state would be reopened.