Election Commission asks banks to monitor unusual transactions

Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Chief Electoral Officer Kunal, IAS has asserted that Banks play a very important role during the Election period to conduct free, fair, participative, accessible, inclusive and safe elections.
Kunal, IAS was speaking in the meeting held with all the representatives of Bank located in Goa at the office of Chief Electoral Officer Panaji today.
Kunal, IAS said that for the purpose of maintaining purity of elections, the Election Commission of India has issued a Standard Operating Procedure for Flying Squads and Static Surveillance Teams, constituted for keeping vigil over excessive campaign expenses, distribution of items of bribe in cash or in-kind, movement of illegal arms, ammunition, liquor, or anti-social elements etc. in the constituencies during the conduct of the election.
He appealed to all the Bankers to monitor unusual and suspicious cash transactions made through the banks during the election period to ensure the conduct of free and fair General Assembly election 2022 in the State of Goa.
Kunal IAS pointed that there are chances of distribution of gifts, goodies during election period and urged all banks to ensure proper documentation is done during transactions and transportation of cash by cash vans for filing the ATMs and delivering cash at other branches through an outsourced private agency or Bank Van have to carry proper document issued by Bank.
He assured that the Election machinery would promptly react to any illegal transportation, urged the Bank to take appropriate measures, and directed to submit a report if any such transaction is identified.
CEO said that the Election Commission of India has launched a c-vigil app through which Election machinery can address within 15 min on any complaint received through this app for the conduct of the free and fair election.
Kunal, IAS also briefed the functioning of EVM/ VVPAT machine and appealed to take hands-on training at demonstration booth setup at various places in the State.
Tushar Halarnkar also briefed on the expenditure monitoring aspects to follow Banks during the election period.
Ajay Kumar, Deputy Regional Head, RBI, Arvind Khutkar, Registrar of Cop Society Goa, M. Raviteja, DDIT, Income Tax and Representatives of various banks were present on occasion.