SHILLONG, FEB 22: The state government has directed the Meghalaya Electricity Corporation Limited (MeECL) to do away with load-shedding from February 23 to February 27 because of the district councils’ election.
The government has also give direction to the district administrations to have alternatives source of lighting such as solar lanterns to ensure that electioneering process during the district council polls are not interrupted especially in the remote rural areas ‘with no electricity supply.’
“There are around 27 villages mostly located in the rural areas of West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills and Ri Bhoi District without electricity supply,” Commissioner & Secretary in-charge political department Jopthiaw Lyngdoh told reporters on Saturday.
Lyngdoh informed that the deputy commissioner of West Khasi hills district has purchase around 50 solar lanterns for those polling stations located in villages without electricity coverage.
“We have given instructions to other district administrations to look for alternatives such as solar lanterns in those areas which do not have electricity supply under their districts to ensure smooth and interrupt conduct of elections,” Lyngdoh said.
Lyngdoh further informed that the MeECL has also been directed to do away with the load-shedding from Sunday till the elections are over.
Lyngdoh said, “We have written to the MeECL authority to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the entire election process.” He informed that the government is emphasizing on an error-free elections.
Informing that Assam government has agreed to extend its full cooperation to Meghalaya, Lyngdoh said there are polling stations which are accessible through Assam due to road connectivity.
Such polling stations including Malang, Dobakdrop, Sildubi, Lejadubi and Umshiak are in West Khasi Hills District where the polling personnel have to take route via Assam to reach these places, Lyngdoh said.
Lyngdoh also informed that directions have also been given to Returning Officers to take action against those candidates who fails to submit the return of expenses within 15 days as per rules.
Elections to KHADC and JHADC will be held on February 24, while the counting take place on February 27.- By Our Reporter
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