The Hindu : Front Page : Monitor funds transfer to SHG accounts, CEO tells poll officers

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Friday, May 08, 2009
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Monitor funds transfer to SHG accounts, CEO tells poll officers

R.K. Radhakrishnan

“Release of funds after code has come into force may influence SHG members”
He has asked them to verify details of large-scale funds transfer from April 1

Naresh Gupta

CHENNAI: Chief Electoral Officer Naresh Gupta has written to District Election Officers, asking them to “monitor transfer of funds from cooperative banks and nationalised banks to the accounts of self-help groups, since it is apprehended that the release of funds after the Model Code of Conduct has come into force may influence the members of the SHGs.”

He has asked them to verify details of large-scale transfer of funds from April 1, and ascertain the source.

Bank managers

The DEOs have been asked to monitor the situation with the help of lead bank managers of the district and Special Officers of Central Cooperative Banks of districts, and ensure that no funds transfer (as part of government scheme/programme) takes place till elections are over.

Opposition parties have complained to the Chief Electoral Officer and the Election Commission of repeated attempts by the DMK and its allies to bribe voters through self-help groups and under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.

Complaints by Opposition

“I have received complaints from the CPI, PMK, AIADMK and the CPI (M) in the recent past. We are investigating the cases,” Mr.Gupta told The Hindu, when asked about the issue. There were also instances of unknown persons depositing money in accounts of SHGs.

The DEOs had been “requested to convene a meeting with the bankers…”

AIADMK workers block roads

AIADMK men blocked roads in Chennai, alleging that the police refused to take action against DMK workers who were distributing money to women belonging to SHGs in some areas of Mylapore. The police registered cases against the protesters.

“This is ridiculous. Now the victim has become the accused,” said V.Maithreyan, AIADMK MP.

“They should have arrested the local DMK functionary. Not only did the police refuse to take action, they have insulted the electoral process by slapping cases on us.”

Case booked

A case under Section 147 (unlawful assembly), 294 (b) (using obscene language) and 506 (2) (criminal intimidation) has been booked against Dr.Maithreyan and others. No arrests were made till Thursday evening, the police said.

DMK organising secretary P.V.Kalyanasundaram denied the charge that the DMK activists were distributing money. “The AIADMK and other Opposition parties are desperate. They are making wild allegations.”

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