DM IMPOSES RESTRICTIONS FOR ELECTIONEERING

The District Magistrate North Goa, has imposed additional restrictions on public gatherings, physical rallies, road shows etc. to prevent further spread of Covid-19 and has directed that the following activities / events shall be restricted till further orders i.e. No roadshow, Pad-yatra, cycle/bike/vehicle rallies  and procession shall be allowed until further orders. Outdoor meetings / Indoor meetings/rallies will be allowed subject to condition that the number of persons attending the indoor/outdoor meetings/rallies will be limited to maximum of 50  percent of the capacity of Indoor halls and 30 percent of the open ground capacity as per requirement of the social distancing norms and whichever is less .  Door-to-Door campaning shall be allowed for a maximum of 20 (twenty) including candidates. (excluding security personnel). Between 8pm  and  8 am, no rallies and public meetings shall be allowed on any campaign day. Open ground rallies can be held only on the grounds specifically designated by this office  through e-Suvidha portal subject to compliance of all the conditions of SDMA. Political parties and contesting  candidates shall ensure the compliance of COVID appropriate behaviour and guidelines and Model Code of Conduct at all occasions during the activities connected with the election. The District Megistrate, further mentioned that the organizers shall ensure that there should be multiple entry and exit points so that there is no crowding as people come and leave the venue. All entrances must have adequate and hygine and thermal screening provisions. Adequate number of hand sanitizers should be kept at entrance as well as within the rally area. Sitting arrangements must ensure adequate physical distancing and use of mask at all times is mandatory. Adequate manpower should be deployed /arranged by the organizers to ensure observance to physical distancing norms, mask wearing and other preventive measures at all times.  In designated open ground meetings, people should be accomodated in adequate clusters and such clusters should be sperated by seperation arrangements. The organizers will ensure this arrangements and Nodal Officers will ensure compliance. The organizers and concerned politcal parties shall abide by all the above instructions and SDMA related guidelines and ensure COVID appropriate behaviour by persons participating in meetings – rallies. Organizers will be responsible for any breach of the COVID related protocals and guidelines. While granting  the permission the concerned SDM/RO shall appoint a Nodal Officer to oversee the arrangements done by organizers and the Sub Divisional Police Officer concerned North Goa shall ensure the compliance of instructions and COVID appropriate behiviour guidelines. All remaining restrictions as contained in the Revised Broad Guidelines for Conduct of Election 2022, issued on 8th January shall continue. If the candidate or political party violates any of the above guidelines, no further permission shall be given to the concerned candidate/party for rallies, meetings, etc.The Returning Officers / Assistant Returning Officers, Flying Squads, Sector Magistrates / Officer, Police or any other authorized Officers / Officials shall act immediately in case any violation comes to their notice or reported to them and initiate necessary action against the violator by filing FIR under appropriate section before the respective police station.This Order shall come into force with immediate effect, failure to comply with this order shall be liable for Penal action under Section 188 of Indian Penal and other provisions of laws in force.This Order Supersedes the earlier order issued by this office vide No.40/16/2022-MAG-ELN/L & O/Rally/270  dated 31/01/2022  .