Karnataka bans voters from carrying mobile phones to polling stations
Bengaluru: Abiding by the order of Election Commission on India that was issued in 2007, banning mobile phones inside polling booths, Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) confirmed that the order will be ‘strictly implemented’ this time in the state during both phases of polling on April 18 and 23 in Karnataka.
“Though the standing order was issued by Election Commission of India way back in 2007, it will be implemented strictly this time” Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer, Sanjiv Kumar said while speaking to media.
“This year the security officials and presiding officers have been strictly instructed to prevent electors from carrying mobile phones inside the polling booth. In fact they will have to leave it 100 meters away from the polling stations. The ECI cannot arrange the facility for storage of Mobile phones hence it is on electors to not carry mobile phones or cameras with them” Kumar said.
Another poll official admitted that though the Model Code of Conduct has had the ban provision since 2007, it was not implemented during the previous elections for reasons such as shortage of manpower among others.
Section 128 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 prohibits electronic devices at polling stations. The Act also mandates maintenance of secrecy at polling booths, which the officials afraid is compromised with voters carrying mobile phones.
However, polling officials, security personnel, presiding officers and agents of candidates will be allowed to carry and use mobile phones at polling station.
Karnataka has 58,186 polling booths for 28 seats this year where about 5.11 crore people will cast their votes including 2.6 crore males and 2.5 crores females and 4661 other voters.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Delhi's air quality 'very poor' in Delhi
New Delhi (PTI): Thick grey haze shrouded Delhi on Monday morning, with the air quality remaining in the 'very poor' category with a reading of 366, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
The Air Quality Index (AQI) at seven air quality monitoring stations was 'severe', with Narela logging the highest reading at 418.
ALSO READ: Rupee rises 22 paise to 89.45 against US dollar in early trade
According to the CPCB, an AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 to 100 'satisfactory', 101 to 200 'moderate', 201 to 300 'poor', 301 to 400 'very poor', and 401 to 500 'severe'.
Delhi's air quality is likely to remain 'very poor' for the next three days. It is expected to oscillate between 'very poor' and 'severe' categories during the subsequent six days, according to the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS).
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the current average wind speed, which is less than 10 kmph, is unfavourable for the dispersion of pollutants.
Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 9.3 degrees Celsius, it said.
