Poll officer issues directives to printing press owners

In view of the upcoming Ludhiana (West) byelections, Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer Himanshu Jain has issued directives to all printing press owners in Ludhiana to strictly adhere to the Election Commission’s guidelines.

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Jain emphasised that all election-related materials, including pamphlets, posters and handbills, must prominently display the names of the publisher and printer, the number of copies printed and a signed declaration from the publisher containing comprehensive details about the publication. Prior to printing any campaign material, printers must obtain a declaration specifying the individual or entity commissioning the material and the costs. These details, along with the expenditure incurred, must be reported to the District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner’s office.

The DEO said that no objectionable material against any caste, religion, etc. should be printed. Before printing, a declaration should be taken from the publisher about who is getting it printed and it should be certified by two persons who know the publisher well. Two copies of this declaration should be taken. He said that copies of the printed material should be sent to the election expenditure monitoring team after getting it duly signed by the printer, along with details of expenditure incurred.

Jain further said that if any poster/pamphlet contains any matter or material which is offending or objectionable, then necessary action would be taken.