Lok Sabha polls: handbook on green protocol released in Kerala
The Hindu
Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer releases handbook on green protocol for Lok Sabha elections, emphasising eco-friendly campaign materials and practices.
The office of the Chief Electoral Officer in Kerala has come out with a handbook on the green protocol to be followed strictly by the campaigners and election officials during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Chief Electoral Officer Sanjay Kaul released the handbook by handing the first copy to Suchitwa Mission Executive Director U.V. Jose. Additional Chief Electoral Officers Adeela Abdullah, Sharmila C., and Premkumar V.R. were present.
‘Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Green Protocol Compliance Doubts and Answers’ was prepared in collaboration with the Suchitwa Mission and Haritha Keralam Mission. It guides stakeholders on using eco-friendly materials during the electioneering to minimise polluting garbage being generated.
Significantly, the elections are being held when the State government is pressing ahead with a massive ‘Malinya Muktam Nava Keralam’ campaign and a slew of other big-ticket schemes like the Kerala Solid Waste Management Project (KSWM).
The Election Commission of India has also issued instructions to use only nature-friendly materials for election-related activities. Propaganda materials using flex boards, plastic flagpoles, polyester cloth and similar polluting substances should be strictly avoided.
Propaganda boards and banners should be made of cotton and paper. Natural materials such as palm leaves, reeds, bamboo and areca nut leaves should also be used. Similarly, eco-friendly materials should be used to decorate election offices of political parties.
The District Election Officer will take legal action if prohibited materials are found to be used. The campaigners will be required to explore the possibilities of digital technology, which will reduce use of non-degradable campaign materials significantly. It is also suggested that flower garlands, cotton shawls, books, and fruit baskets be given as gifts at receptions to candidates.
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