The response of the CEO followed the Congress allegation that the Model Code of Conduct was violated by the Union Home Ministry and BJP led state government in Manipur by releasing Rs 15.7 crores on February 1 and further Rs 92.7 lakhs on March 1, to banned militant groups under Suspension of Operation (SoO).
TFM Desk
The office of the chief electoral officer (CEO), Manipur on Friday clarified that there is no violation of the Model Code of Conduct by the government of Manipur by releasing payment of stipend to Suspension of Operation (SoO) Groups before the General Election to Manipur Legislative Assembly, 2022,
In this regard, CEO had on March 3 requested Home and Finance Department, government of Manipur to submit necessary response for further action.
As per the reports submitted by the departments, the amount of Rs 15,703 crore was released as backlog monthly stipend for SoU groups under KNO and UPF for the months of October, 2020 to September, 2021 at the rate of Rs 6000/ per cadre per month for approved strength of 1122 cadres of KNO and 1059 cadres of UPF as part of regular ongoing programme since 2008.
It was further clarified that a sanctioned amount of Rs 1,02 crore was for payment of financial benefits to surrenderees as per Revised Scheme for surrender—cum-rehabilitation of militants in the Northeast states and the same is not related to SoO groups.
Since the beneficiaries of the above scheme were already identified and approved before the announcement of the election and enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, there is no violation of the Model Code of Conduct in connection With the 12th General Election to the Manipur Legislative Assembly, 2022, said the CEO.
The response of the CEO followed the Congress allegation that the Model Code of Conduct was violated by the Union Home Ministry and BJP led state government in Manipur by releasing Rs 15.7 crores on February 1 and further Rs 92.7 lakhs on March 1, to banned militant groups under Suspension of Operation (SoO).