ECI meets AIIMS chief, ICMR DG

The ECI also raised election expenditure limits.

Ahead of Assembly elections in five states, a meeting of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and top officials of the Ministry of Health on Thursday to review the COVID-19 situation was attended by AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria and ICMR Director General Balram Bhargava, said official sources. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan was also present at the meeting. As per sources, a complete review of the prevailing COVID-19 situation was done during the meeting. The inputs of medical experts were taken on ensuring the safety measures during elections. It was also discussed that complete vaccination among voters and staff should be mandated, sources said.

Earlier on 27 December 2021, the meeting was held between Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan and poll officials where they held discussions over the steps needed to conduct polls in the safest manner amid the emergence of a new variant Omicron.

The officials also sought suggestions and a detailed report from Union Health Secretary Bhushan on improving its COVID-19 protocol for poll campaigning, polling days, and the dates of counting.

Also, the ECI on Thursday enhanced the existing election expenditure limit for candidates in Parliamentary and Assembly constituencies. As per an official statement, these limits will be applicable in all upcoming elections. Ahead of crucial Assembly elections in five states, the ECI has raised the election expenditure ceiling for candidates in Assembly constituencies from the existing Rs 20 lakh to Rs 28 lakh, and from Rs 28 lakh to Rs 40 lakh, in respective states and union territories.

The Election Commission is prepared for the assembly polls and is expected to announce the dates soon of Goa, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Manipur legislative assemblies are ending on different dates in March and Uttar Pradesh will end in May.