Panchayat election expenditure rules tightened after officials issue new instructions
Hyderabad: Officials finalised the first list of candidates for the panchayat elections and allotted symbols. Candidates immediately began campaigning with their assigned symbols. At the same time, authorities intensified surveillance on spending and issued clear instructions to control Panchayat election expenditure.
They told every candidate to maintain a separate account of expenses from the day of nomination until the declaration of results. Either the candidate or an authorised agent must handle this record. They also instructed candidates to seek prior approval from returning officers, police and relevant officials before using vehicles, microphones, meetings or rallies. Officials further directed candidates to record every payment in the format given by the Election Commission and attach proper vouchers.
Panchayat election expenditure monitoring procedure
Officials asked candidates or agents to write “paid by me” and sign every voucher. They also directed them to use only the bank account submitted during nomination for all payments. Candidates must deposit funds meant for election expenses into that account. They must use a crossed cheque, RTGS or NEFT for payments above ₹10,000. They may use cash only for expenses below that limit. Authorities warned candidates not to use the election account for any other purpose until the process ends. They will calculate expenses according to the rate chart issued by the district election authority. They also instructed candidates not to hold more than ₹10,000 in cash during campaigning.
Every candidate must give daily expenditure details to the MPDO in the prescribed pro forma. They may submit the information either in person or through a messenger. On the dates set by observers, candidates must present complete accounts for scrutiny. If they ignore this instruction, officials will issue notices. Continued refusal will lead to action under IPC 171-I, and authorities will cancel campaign vehicle permissions. After counting, candidates must file final accounts with the MPDO within 45 days. If they miss this deadline, they will face disqualification from elections for three years.
Authorities will also run a shadow observation register for each candidate. Monitoring teams will collect spending information and record it mandal-wise. During scrutiny, observers will compare the candidate’s account with the shadow register. If the shadow register shows higher expenditure, officials will gather details and proceed with action.
Panchayat election expenditure limits
In villages with more than 5,000 population, a sarpanch candidate may spend up to ₹2.50 lakh, and a ward member may spend up to ₹50,000. In villages with fewer than 5,000 people, the limits stand at ₹1.50 lakh for a sarpanch candidate and ₹30,000 for a ward member.