Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab has begun the nomination process for the upcoming civic body elections from Wednesday, with authorities introducing strict monitoring and security measures to ensure a transparent and peaceful process ahead of the crucial urban polls.
Candidates filing nominations will be allowed to enter the Returning Officer’s office with a maximum of four supporters. CCTV cameras have been installed inside and outside nomination centres, while police personnel will remain deployed to prevent any inconvenience or disturbance during the process.
The elections are being seen as politically significant, as they come ahead of the next Assembly polls. Political parties are expected to contest aggressively, with candidates also permitted to fight on official party symbols.
Officials clarified that the nomination process will not be conducted online. Candidates must personally submit their papers at the election office, after which details will be uploaded to the official website for public access.
Scrutiny of nomination papers will take place on May 18, during which candidates can raise objections before the Returning Officer. Authorities will also provide reasons in cases where nomination forms are rejected. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is May 19.
Polls Across 105 Urban Bodies
Elections will be conducted in eight municipal corporations, including Mohali, Bathinda, Abohar, Barnala, Kapurthala, Moga, Batala, and Pathankot. Apart from this, polls will also be held in 76 municipal councils and 21 nagar panchayats across Punjab.
A total of 3,977 polling stations have been set up for the elections, all located in urban areas.
Over 36 Lakh Voters to Cast Ballots
According to the administration, around 36.72 lakh voters are eligible to participate in the elections. This includes over 18 lakh male voters, around 17.73 lakh female voters, and 226 voters from the third gender category.
The Model Code of Conduct has also come into effect from today, following which transfer orders in the state administration are expected to be put on hold.
Expenditure Limits Announced
The State Election Commission has fixed spending limits for candidates contesting civic polls. Candidates in municipal corporation elections can spend up to Rs 4 lakh. The expenditure limit for municipal council elections has been capped between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 3.60 lakh, depending on category, while candidates in nagar panchayat elections can spend up to Rs 1.40 lakh.
Entire Process to Be Videographed
The administration said the entire election process, including nomination filing, will be videographed. Surveillance cameras at nomination centres will help monitor all activities and maintain transparency throughout the process.
Massive Deployment for Smooth Polling
Nearly 36,000 employees will be involved in the election process, while around 35,500 police personnel and home guards will be deployed across polling stations. Authorities said five staff members will be stationed at every booth.
AS and PCS officers will oversee election duties in districts, with ADCs and SDMs appointed as Returning Officers. District Commissioners have also been directed to ensure the deposit of licensed weapons ahead of polling.
