CPI(M) seeks reimbursement of poll expenses, staff allowances

VIJAYAWADA The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has urged the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission to ensure the reimbursement of expenses incurred by panchayat secretaries on election arrangements and provide adequate facilities and allowances to personnel deployed for poll duties in the forthcoming gram panchayat elections. In a letter to State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha on Wednesday, CPI(M) State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao said panchayat secretaries in several districts had spent money from their own pockets on polling arrangements during the MPTC and ZPTC elections, including providing food to police personnel.

He said more than a week had passed since the completion of the corporation, municipal, MPTC and ZPTC elections, but the government had yet to release the funds. This had caused financial difficulties for panchayat secretaries. He urged the Commission to intervene and ensure the release of the pending amounts.

Mr.