Odisha Panchayat Poll: SEC Raises Expenditure Limit For Candidates & Increases Polling Time

Bhubaneswar: The State Election Commission has raised expenditure limit for candidates and polling time for general elections and by-elections to Panchayat Raj Institutions.

As per the new guidelines issued on Monday, a candidate contesting for Zilla Parishad member can spend upto Rs 5 lakh. The expenditure limit for sarpanch and panchayat samiti members candidates will be Rs 2 lakh.

The number of vehicles to be used by candidates has also been increased. Zilla Parishad member candidates can use five jeeps or cars and 10 two-wheelers. Panchayat Samiti member candidates are allowed to use two jeeps or cars and five two-wheelers. Sarpanch candidates are allowed to use two jeeps or cars and five two-wheelers.

The polling time for the forthcoming panchayat election has also been increased by an hour. It will be held from 7 am to 1 pm.

Earlier, the political parties had urged State Election Commissioner AP Padhi to increase the limit of expenses of candidates during the panchayat poll.