 Arun Trisal
Early Times Report
Kathua, Sept 30: Known for misuse of official machinery, the BJP state unit forcibly lifted a dice ( Lecture stand) from Government Girls Higher Secondary Kathua without permission of Chief Education Officer and utilized it in the election campaign at Town Hall. Ironically, Dr Jatendra Singh Union minister PMO was the chief guest and used that dice.
Election commission of India has issued Model Code of Conduct for the guidance of Political parties and candidates of which Para No (6) reads, "No political party or candidate shall permit its or his followers to make use of -- any public land, building, compound wall etc, without prior permission in written for erecting flag-staffs, suspending banners, pasting notices, writing slogans, election campaign etc. Whereas section 7 states Party in Power & its part (b) reads Government apparatus including official air-crafts, vehicles, machinery and personnel shall not be used for furtherance of the interest of the party in power.
Dr Jatinder Singh, MLA Kathua Rajiv Jasrotia (who is an accused in Tricolor defacing case, FIR has been registered); contesting candidates and BJP workers were present on the occasion. BJP itself wails for implementation of guidance of election commission but Arvind Kejriwal's words come true in every corner of the country who has been pointing out scandals of BJP in elections.
When contacted Principal GGHSS Kathua, Makhni Devi confirmed the use of school dice in election campaign. The officer informed receiving of a call from PRO of MLA Kathua who without informing about the programme demanded the dice. Ironically, the officer allowed Chowkidar and BJP workers to lift the dice on an unidentified phone call. The officer was unaware about the code of conduct and did not feel necessary to consult her senior officers before permission.
Chief Education Officer Kathua Bishan Singh was unaware about the utilization of school property in election campaign. The officer said that Principal could not provide any public property for election campaign but if she did so, strict action will be initiated against employees involved in the violation of code of conduct. |
