GUWAHATI: The Election Commission has been engaged in streamlining the process for the allotment of a Common Symbol to Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPP) under the provisions of Para 10B of the Election Symbols (Reservation & Allotment) Order, 1968.
As per the Commission's instructions issued on August 29, 2014 (no. 76/PPEMS/Transparency/2013) and October 14, 2014 (no. 76/PPEMS/Transparency/2014), RUPPs are mandated to submit comprehensive financial reports, encompassing Contribution Reports, Audited Annual Accounts, and Election Expenditure Statements (full & part).
These reports are to be submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer of the concerned State or Union Territory, aligning with Section 29C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Additionally, the Commission has also decided to grant a concession in Common Symbol Allotment to RUPPs meeting specific criteria. The concession applies to parties that have submitted Contribution Reports and Audited Annual Accounts for the last three financial years, along with Election Expenditure Statements for the last two contested elections, if any.
To implement this, the Commission has revised the proforma for the application of Common Symbol Allotment under Para 10B. Parties seeking Common Symbol Allotment from January 11, 2024, onward are required to furnish a duly signed and notarized declaration, as per Annexure III. The declaration confirms key aspects:
-The application is submitted by the present and authorized Office Bearer of the party.
-The party has submitted Contribution Reports and Audited Annual Accounts for the last three financial years to the Chief Electoral Officer's office (proof of service to be attached).
-The party has also submitted Election Expenditure Statements for the last two contested elections, if any, to the Chief Electoral Officer's office (proof of service to be attached).
-The revised proforma of application for Common Symbol Allotment under the provisions of Para 10 B of the Election Symbols (Reservation & Allotment) Order, 1968 is available at the Commission website with the following path given below.