Shimla: The State Election Commission has withdrawn the Model Code of Conduct in Himachal Pradesh with immediate effect after the completion of elections to Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies.
With the notification issued by the commission on Monday, election-related restrictions that had remained in force for nearly one and a half months on government departments, development projects, and administrative decisions have come to an end.
Development Activities Set to Resume
Following the removal of the Model Code of Conduct, the state government and various departments will now be able to accelerate pending development works. Projects related to roads, drinking water, electricity, education, and healthcare are expected to move ahead.
The decision has also cleared the way for thousands of appointments and fresh recruitment processes, along with several pending administrative matters across departments. The government may approve a number of important schemes and projects in the coming days.
Election Commission Issues Notification
In the notification issued by State Election Commissioner Anil Kumar Khachi, it was stated that the voting process has been completed across all local bodies in the state and that most results have already been declared by the respective election authorities.
The notification said that, exercising the powers vested under Articles 243K and 243ZA of the Constitution, along with the relevant Acts, the Model Code of Conduct is being withdrawn with immediate effect.
Code of Conduct Was in Force for More Than a Month
The State Election Commission had enforced the Model Code of Conduct across Himachal Pradesh through notifications issued on April 21 and April 28 in view of the Panchayat, Municipal Corporation, and urban local body elections.
As a result, announcements of new development schemes, tender processes, transfers, appointments, and several administrative decisions had been put on hold. The Code of Conduct remained in force for more than a month before being withdrawn.
