STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Amidst the fervour of current electoral season, Jammu Assembly Constituencies (ACs) witnessed third inspection of expenditure registers of contesting candidates at the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium University of Jammu here on Saturday.
The inspection was supervised by Expenditure Observers, Amaresh Kumar Tiwari, B.K. Vishnu Priya and Gayatri M besides Nodal Officer for Expenditure Monitoring Yasir Sharief. Of the 109 candidates contesting for 11 Assembly Constituencies (ACs), 106 candidates or their election agents were present for the third inspection.
Out Of the three candidates, Two were found absent in all the three inspections and cognizance of the same would be taken by the concerned Returning Officers by taking legal action under section 177 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 and the absence of one candidate was communicated through notice by the concerned Returning Officer.
During the inspection, discrepancies were observed between day-to-day expenses register and the shadow observation register and were communicated to the contesting candidates through notices by the concerned Returning Officers.
The Observers emphasized the importance of strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct and the financial regulations prescribed by the ECI. Contesting candidates were reminded that compliance with these norms is essential as per Election Commission norms.
Observers examined the financial documents submitted by the candidates to assess compliance with the expenditure limits set by the Election Commission. The focus was on verifying the accuracy and transparency of the records.
Highlighting the significance of financial accountability, Observers remarked, “Maintaining transparent and clean financial records is crucial. This inspection aims to ensure that all candidates are adhering to electoral laws and regulations.”