Election Mood: EC Gives Another Shock To Volunteers!

Poll-bound Andhra Pradesh is all set to go for the elections. In the wake of this, the election body Election Commission of India (ECI) has been imposing new restrictions and giving more directions. Volunteers, the flagship system launched by the YCP, is getting back-to-back shocks.

At regular intervals, the EC is giving new orders. Earlier the Volunteers were directed to not be made a part of election-related duty. Now another order was given and the Village Revenue Officers (VRO)s were directed to make the mapping for the distribution.

In a big shock, Volunteers would not be involved in ration distribution. Instead of them, the VROs were asked to make the required mapping for the distribution of the benefits. The Mobile Dispensing Units (MDU) operators were also given some directives.

The operators were asked to not call the Volunteers for the distribution. The new orders would come into effect from today. If anyone violates the rules they would face the consequences.

It is known that earlier the ward and village volunteers were barred from disbursing welfare benefits. The Election body said that Volunteers cannot distribute welfare benefits and disbursing pensions.

Besides barring the volunteers from taking part in the distribution of schemes, the Election body also directed them to deposit Cell phones, tabs, and other devices they hold as part of their duties.

Now another order came at the Volunteers and they were asked to not make part of the ration distribution. The VROs were also asked to take care of mapping for the ration distribution.

The Volunteer system was started by the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YCP to take the fruits of the schemes to the doorsteps of the beneficiaries. The party often talks about the crucial role the Volunteers play in this. Now the Volunteers are facing back-to-back blows.