Panaji: Election Commission (EC) has
asked the Goa Government to put on hold its recruitment drive
as the model code of conduct has come into effect.
Chief Electoral Officer S Kumarswamy told reporters
that the main Opposition BJP had complained about ongoing
recruitment drive in seven Government offices, including
mining and electricity.
"We immediately issued directions to the State
Government to stop the recruitment drive as it amounts to
violation of election code of conduct," he said.
"The Commission has told the Government that process
of appointment and promotions should be stopped immediately."
The Congress-led coalition Government had cleared
massive recruitments in various Government departments in run
up for the elections scheduled on March 3.
The model code of conduct came into effect on December
24 when the poll date was announced. According to the
complaint, various departments were allegedly involved in
issuing back dated appointment letters.
The EC also asked the Government to withdraw all
advertisements propagating public schemes and having faces or
names of politicians in them.
Kumarswamy said directions have been issued to
withdraw advertisements like 'Aaadhar Card'.
These advertisements, put up all across Goa and issued
by State Information and Broadcasting Ministry, had Chief
Minister Digambar Kamat's photograph on them.
Kumarswamy said the officials have been given two days
to pull down these advertisements, which are flashed through
huge hoardings along the highways.
PTI
First Published: Monday, December 26, 2011, 21:57