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| Ensuring Electoral Integrity: Surveillance Measures in Tamil Nadu |
In anticipation of India’s upcoming general election in April-May 2024, Tamil Nadu authorities have taken unprecedented steps to enhance transparency and accountability in the electoral process. This initiative, spearheaded by the Election Commission of India (ECI), aims to closely monitor and regulate the activities of elite clubs and liquor-serving star hotels. Here's a breakdown of the directives and their implications:
ECI Directive and Scope:
To regulate election expenditure and prevent the misuse of resources by political parties, the ECI has mandated the inclusion of all clubs, bars, and hotels holding FL-2 and FL-3 licenses under CCTV surveillance.
Inventory of Three-Star Plus Hotels:
Tamil Nadu boasts 98 three-star and above classified hotels, along with over 400 membership-based recreational clubs, primarily clustered in urban centers like Chennai. The exponential growth in the number of clubs underscores the need for enhanced monitoring measures.
Tracking Liquor Flows During Polls:
With the enforcement of liquor prohibition 48 hours before polling day, the surveillance of licensed establishments becomes crucial in preventing illicit activities such as voter bribery. CCTV systems serve as a deterrent against potential loopholes exploited by political entities.
Curbing Political Black Money Abuse:
The ECI's initiatives also target the misuse of political funds in recreational spaces, aiming to disrupt informal patronage networks. Past instances of high-profile crime syndicate meetings in star hotels highlight the necessity of stringent monitoring to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
TASMAC:
The Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation (TASMAC), responsible for the wholesale and retail sale of alcoholic beverages, plays a pivotal role in the state's liquor distribution. Efforts to equip 90% of TASMAC bars in Chennai and its suburbs with CCTV cameras further reinforce the commitment to transparency.
ECI Initiatives:
The ECI's comprehensive publication, 'Initiatives of ECI for Parliamentary Elections 2024,' underscores its dedication to facilitating free, fair, and inclusive elections. These initiatives, ranging from surveillance measures to voter education programs, underscore the commission's commitment to democratic principles.
By implementing these measures, Tamil Nadu aims to safeguard the sanctity of the electoral process and uphold democratic values. Through rigorous surveillance and proactive intervention, authorities seek to ensure that elections are conducted with integrity and fairness, free from undue influence and malpractice.