M Rafi Ahmed
Strange are the ways of Election Commission’s guidelines on carrying cash between March 16 and June 4 approximately 81 days during elections to the Lok Sabha. Quite explicit that the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is aimed at preventing unfair practices like using cash for electoral influence. But, how come it could impact the electors after the polling is over in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on April 19.
In the wake of MCC restriction on movement of cash till the counting is over on June 4, the small traders and growers are worst hit as they are unable to carry cash realised from their produce at shandies and farmers markets since they cannot submit a supporting document for the proceeds. It’s acceptable if the MCC diktat on cash movement is in place till the polling day. Extending it to another 40 odd days is illogical.
Two incidents which happened in the Nilgiris are just a tip of the iceberg of the problems faced by common man besides small traders and farmers. In the first instance, the flying squad seized Rs 69,400 from a family from Punjab on a tour to the Queen of Hill Stations. Despite showing the ATM slip, the officials failed to accept. However, the video went viral on social media with both the husband and wife pleading with the official.
The couple breathed a whiff of fresh air after the Assistant Returning Officer returned the money after verification. Similarly, a family of five from Kolkata, who were on a vacation to Ooty were detained by a flying squad at Mettupalayam and the cash of Rs 60,000 in their possession were seized leaving them in the lurch. Even after showing the bank statement, they showed no concern to accept it as a proof. The family had to run from pillar to post to get back the money later in the evening after a direction from the respective District Election Officer.
Less said the better about the ordeal the couple from Punjab and the family from Kolkata faced at the hands of the flying squad. The officials just got through the rule book instead of applying their mind to ascertain the genuinity of the person carrying cash. Sad to infer that the Kolkata family led by Mandip Ghosh pleading with the officials stating that he is a kidney patient and spouse a cancer patient failed to show any mercy on the couple.
Though the EC has advised people not to carry cash of Rs 50,000 and more without supporting documents and unexplained cash over Rs 50,000 will be confiscated by the authority. As far as the above two cases are concerned, even after a detailed explanation, the flying squad officials summarily rejected it putting them in a tight spot. Proper training is must for flying squad officials in taking a decision on-the-spot based on the genuinity of the persons carrying cash.
