JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 24: Amidst electoral season, Jammu Assembly Constituencies (ACs) witnessed the second inspection of expenditure registers of contesting candidates at the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium University of Jammu, here today.
The inspection was overseen by Expenditure Observers, Amaresh Kumar Tiwari, B.K. Vishnu Priya and Gayatri M and Nodal Officer for Expenditure Monitoring Yasir Sharief.
Of the 109 candidates contesting for 11 Assembly Constituencies (ACs), 92 candidates or their election agents were present for the second inspection.
The absence of the candidates was communicated to them through notices by their concerned Returning Officers.
During the inspection, discrepancies were observed between day-to-day expenses register and the shadow observation register and was communicated to the contesting candidates through notices by their concerned Returning Officers.
The Observers emphasized the importance of strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct and the financial regulations prescribed by the ECI.
Contesting candidates were reminded that compliance with these norms is essential as per Election Commission norms.
The Expenditure Observers reiterated the need for candidates to maintain accurate and up-to-date expenditure records, stressing that all expenses must be duly recorded in their registers.
The importance of keeping supporting documents such as bills, vouchers, and invoices on hand was also conveyed to the candidates for future reference.
The expenditure monitoring process is an essential part of ensuring fairness in the election process and the various agencies are working diligently to maintain a level playing field and promote transparency, integrity and principles of democratic governance in the electoral process.