What changes will come into effect with the code of conduct?Governments– both central and state– are prohibited from announcing new schemes, financial grants or making promises.Once the election dates are announced, the authorities are not allowed to initiate projects or lay foundation stones. Only civil servants are allowed to do them during the period.Candidates or governments cannot make any promises related to the construction of roads, provision of drinking water facilities, etc.The election commission guidlines also prohibits ad-hoc appointments in government or public undertalings that could influence voters in favour of the ruling party.Sanctioning grants by MinistersThe election commission mentions that once the Model Code of Conduct is in place, ministers cannot sanction grants or payments from discretionary funds.No use of government resourcesFollowing the enforcement of Model Code of Conduct, the government authorities cannot use government resources for electioneering work and the use of official amchinery or personnel for electioneering is also prohibited.The election commission guidlines say that the government transport, including official aircrafts, vehicles, machinery and personnel cannot be used to further the interests of the ruling party.Public places to hold election meeting sand helipads for aircrafts must be accessible to all parties and candidates on the same term and conditions.Restriction on monopoly of ruling party on government accomodationThe guidlines restricts the monopoly of the ruling governments on government rest houses, dak bungalows, or other government accommodations. In addition, the parties and candidates are prohobited from using these accomodations as election campaign offices or for holding meetings for election propaganda.
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