Thiruvananthapuram: With model code of conduct (MCC) coming into force on March 15 for 2026 assembly elections, state govt constituted a screening committee and laid down procedures for handling proposals that may require clearance from Election Commission of India (ECI).A general administration department order issued on March 16 stated constitution of a screening committee, headed by chief secretary with secretary (general administration department) and secretaries of departments concerned as members. The committee will examine proposals that require prior clearance from ECI before they are forwarded to chief electoral officer (CEO). It is scheduled to meet every Wednesday at 11am, or as required, and will assess proposals based on existing MCC guidelines and instructions.A separate circular details how departments are to process such cases during the election period. It said that all cases involving relaxation of MCC norms or clarifications must be routed through the respective administrative departments in the Secretariat, and not sent directly to CEO.Secretaries have been asked to examine and decide cases at their level using MCC guidelines. Only matters that require exemption from MCC provisions, involve a lack of clarity in guidelines, or fall outside existing instructions are to be placed before the screening committee. For such cases, departments must clearly state details of the proposal, indicate how it may violate MCC provisions and explain why an exemption is being sought, along with specific remarks on urgency.The circular requires secretaries to identify the relevant MCC provision involved and justify why the proposal can’t be deferred until completion of election process. Proposals to be placed before the committee must be submitted in a prescribed format along with a brief note not exceeding one page, and sent in advance so they can be taken up in the weekly meetings.On approval by the screening committee, the concerned department will submit the proposal to CEO for onward reference to ECI, along with full details and a note explaining the urgency. The circular makes it clear that no department should send proposals directly to CEO or ECI without screening committee’s recommendation. It states that casual forwarding of files to CEO’s office will be viewed seriously and reported to ECI. Departments have been asked to ensure that their subordinate offices and agencies are made aware of these directions and MCC guidelines.
