Lok Sabha Elections 2024: In a proactive move towards ensuring the integrity and transparency of the electoral process, Gautam Buddha Nagar District Election Officer, Manish Kumar Verma, chaired a pivotal meeting with local bankers to discuss the upcoming Lok Sabha General Election-2024. This gathering served as a platform to articulate crucial directives aimed at fostering a fair and democratic electoral environment.
Directives Reinforcing Transparency
During the gathering at the Collectorate Auditorium, District Election Officer Verma underscored the significance of meticulous monitoring of bank transactions exceeding ₹10 lakh throughout the electoral period.
Bankers were entrusted with the responsibility of compiling comprehensive reports on such transactions and promptly submitting them to the District Election Office. These reports would subsequently be relayed to the Income Tax Department, ensuring stringent oversight of financial activities during the election phase.
Vigilance Mandate for Banks
In line with the objective of curbing undue influence through monetary means in the Lok Sabha General Elections-2024, bankers were urged to exercise heightened vigilance over transactions surpassing the stipulated ₹10 lakh threshold.
District Election Officer Verma emphasized the pivotal role of banks in safeguarding the electoral process by preventing the misuse of funds for voter manipulation.
Furthermore, stringent protocols were outlined to govern the transportation of cash by external entities. Banks were mandated to ensure that vehicles transporting cash from external agencies and companies solely carry bank-authorized funds, with no unauthorized cash permitted.
Any such vehicles intercepted by election monitoring teams would undergo thorough verification processes to uphold transparency and accountability.
Promoting Electoral Awareness
Beyond regulatory measures, the meeting served as a platform to bolster voter awareness initiatives. District Election Officer Verma elucidated on the functionalities of e-SMS and the C Vigil app, highlighting their efficacy in curbing unethical electoral practices. Bank personnel were tasked with disseminating information to bank customers regarding voter verification procedures and encouraging active participation in the electoral process.
Additionally, initiatives were outlined to educate bank customers on leveraging voter helplines to verify their registration status and locate their designated polling booths. Through these concerted efforts, stakeholders aim to foster a culture of civic engagement and empower citizens to exercise their democratic rights effectively.
In essence, the collaborative efforts between electoral authorities and banking institutions underscore a shared commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring the sanctity of the electoral process.
By leveraging technology, promoting transparency, and fostering voter awareness, stakeholders endeavor to fortify the foundations of democracy and pave the way for credible and inclusive elections in Noida.
