Chennai: The Election Commission (EC) which discussed poll arrangements in five poll- bound states, including Tamil Nadu and Kerala, on Tuesday, is all set to notify the election date on Thursday or Friday, informed sources in EC said.
Tamil Nadu and Puducherry have already given their concurrence that the States are ready for polls, said EC sources adding that preliminary works by Chief Electoral Officers and District Election Officers have been completed. In 2011, EC announced the election date on March 3.
Meanwhile, Chief Electoral Officer Rajesh Lakhoni has passed orders to all department secretaries not to entertain any new schemes or declare new projects once the election is notified. In his circular, he has also listed out norms that have to be adhered to by government departments.
All existing projects and basic maintenance of civic infrastructure can continue during the model code, but announcement of new schemes, particularly freebies will be prohibited once the elections are announced, Lakhoni told DC. In his letter, the CEO said there were allegations in previous elections that pre-dated orders were issued even one or two days after announcement of polls.
