Civic polls only after Board exams

Further, the draft has extended the period of Special Officers of the civic bodies to June 30. SP Velumani, Minister for Municipal Administration, Rural Development and Implementation of Special Programmes, brought in the draft that was passed by voice vote. “Since the teaching fraternity, which is involved in the election processes largely, will be busy during examinations, it will not be possible to rope them in for election related work,” he said. 

“The Special Officers, appointed by the government in rural and urban local bodies, will have administrative control till June 30,” he added. The Tamil Nadu State Election Commission issued a notification to conduct local body elections since the tenure of elected civic bodies concluded in October last. However, a writ petition was filed in the Madras High Court against such a move. 

Upon hearing the petition, the Court had directed the SEC to complete the election processes by December 31, 2016 and issued a notification with regard to the election. Considering that the power of civic body’s representatives could not be extended after five years, the Court also instructed the government to appoint Special Officers for rural and urban civic bodies. 

“Since state Assembly was not functioning when Madras High Court gave directions, the state government had to prepare an ordinance under Tamil Nadu Panchayats (Third Amendment) Ordinance 2016, which was promulgated by the Governor on October 17, 2016 and the same was gazetted by the state,” the draft stated. 

The educational institutions could not also be used as polling stations. “The government has also decided to extend the period of such officers by June 30,” the draft said.  Another bill to amend TN Court Fees and Suits Valuation Act, 1955 aimed at rationalisation of fee structure was also introduced. Both bills were opposed by DMK, Congress and the IUML at the introductory stage itself.