Printing press owners have been told to strictly adhere to the election guidelines regarding printing of notices, posters, and pamphlets for the coming Assembly polls.
Deputy Collector (Elections) N. Devidas, who chaired a meeting of press owners at the District Collectorate here on Monday said that owners should ensure that all poll materials brought out from their press should contain the name of the press, publisher and address, number of copies and the expense for the printing.
Besides, the printer should get a possession from the publisher, affidavits of two witnesses stating that they directly know the publisher. Four copies of the printed material with these affidavits should be submitted in stipulated form to the Returning Officer within three days after the printing.
These forms are available at the expenditure cell of the election wing. Stern action would be taken against the printer as well as the candidate if the rules are violated, Mr. Devidas said.
Those engaged in flex printing have been included in the press category. These guidelines are also applicable to them as well, he said.
Religious symbols
The picture of candidates should not be printed along with Gods and religious symbols in diary, calendar or sticks.
He said that the election expenditure cell would take action against the printer and publisher if they bring out posters and banners without the names and address. The expenditure incurred for removing them would be recovered from the candidates and the political parties.
Mr. Devidas said that the public could register complaints. (Phone: 9446252810, 18004252575 (toll free). Besides, they could send complaints via email (electionexp 2016@gmail.com).
