Provide names of IPS officers in 48 hours: ECI

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed Gujarat govt to provide a panel of names of IPS officers within 48 hours to fill up vacant positions.

Due to the enforcement of the model code of conduct for the upcoming election, state govt must obtain the ECI's nod before proceeding with appointments and promotions.

This is a standard procedure to ensure that transfers and promotions of officers do not influence the election process.

Govt sources said that once the panel of names for each of the vacant positions in the state is forwarded, the election watchdog is expected to give its clearance in a few days.

While the post of the Surat commissioner of police has been vacant for two months, the posts of three range IGs, Kheda SP, Mehsana SP and other posts have also remained vacant.

The not-so-desirable situation arose after four IPS officers proceeded on central deputation late last year and five were placed on leave reserve by the Election Commission of India on March 16 as they had been posted in one Lok Sabha constituency for three years.

Meanwhile, the filing of nominations for 26 Lok Sabha and 5 assembly seats kicked off in Gujarat on Friday. CEO P Bharathi said on Friday that candidates can file their nominations at designated places until April 19.

The scrutiny of nominations will take place on April 20 and candidates can withdraw their nomination papers by April 22.

The office of the chief electoral officer (CEO) also revealed that articles worth Rs 86.82 crore were seized since the implementation of the model code of conduct.

The state chief electoral officer had set up 756 flying squads to ensure that political parties and candidates stick to the expenditure limits imposed on them.

The squads also deter the movement of restricted items.

According to the officials, the seizures include cash amounting to Rs 6.54 crore. Other seizures include 3.84 lakh litres of liquor valued at Rs 11.73 crore, 45.37kg of gold and silver worth Rs 27.62 crore, and 564.49 kg of intoxicants valued at Rs 1.73 crore.

The squads also seized cars, motorcycles, cigarettes, lighters and other items totalling Rs 39.20 crore.