Roopa Lall & IPT
Port Blair, April 7: The Income Tax Department is geared up for monitoring of Election Expenditure for the first phase of Lok Sabha Election to be held on April 11, 2019 for Andaman & Nicobar Islands Parliamentary Constituency. Briefing media person at Income Tax Office here today, the Deputy Commissioner (IT), Mr. Narender Singh, who is also the Nodal Officer, Income Tax, informed that regular review meetings are being taken by Mr. Ashish Verma, the Principal Director of Income Tax, Investigation, so that the task entrusted by the Election Commission of India to prevent the flow of Black Money in the election process is properly carried out, he said. For this purpose various steps have been taken.
The Nodal Officer stated that the Department has operationalized 24X7 Control Room to receive information about the flow of cash, which might be used in the election process. Two dedicated mobile numbers/whatsapp 6289702922 and 6289704146 are active, on which such information may be shared, he said stating that the identity of informer shall be kept confidential. The Department has also operationalized an Air Intelligence Unit at Port Blair Airport to keep a tab on flow of cash. Various Quick Response teams have also been formed after requisitioning additional man power from West Bengal, he said, mentioning that the Department is coordinating with the flying squad of the local Police.
The Nodal Officer further said that the Income Tax Department is making regular contact with local banks to attain information regarding withdrawal of cash which exceed a threshold limit, which can influence voters. The Department takes necessary action in this regard. It also keeps in touch with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and DEOs of all Districts, flying squads and state surveillance teams and local Police as well, he said. Training programme and seminars have been organised to sensitize officers and officials of the Department about their roles and responsibilities in the election process. The trainings programmes were conducted by Mr. Debashis Mazumder, Additional Director-Investigation, Kolkata, he added.
