Pune: In an effort to curb the influence of "money power" during elections, the Election Commission has capped the maximum allowable cash at Rs 50,000 per person.
If anyone is found carrying an amount above this limit, they are required to provide proper documentation or proof of the source of the money.
To ensure compliance with this rule, 350 inspection teams have been deployed across the district. These teams, consisting of flying squads and other officials, will be on constant watch.
If a person is found with more than Rs 50,000 in cash, the inspection teams will demand an account of the money. If the individual can prove the legitimacy of the amount, the money will be returned. However, failure to provide proper documentation will result in the seizure of the cash by the authorities, according to the district administration.
Efforts to Prevent Misuse of Funds During Elections
The Election Commission has set up an election expenditure monitoring system as part of broader efforts to prevent the misuse of money during the election process.
The district administration is actively collaborating with various agencies, including the Income Tax Department and the Enforcement Directorate, to monitor illegal fund transactions. Police and excise departments are also working to prevent the misuse of money by political parties.
If a cash amount of up to Rs 10 lakh is discovered during inspections conducted by flying or static teams, the district administration will confiscate the money and send a notice to the concerned individual.
The person will then be required to provide an account of the cash and submit supporting documents to verify its legitimacy. The district authorities will hold hearings to assess the matter.
Income Tax Department to Handle Cases Exceeding Rs 10 Lakh
For cases where cash exceeding Rs 10 lakh is found, the Income Tax Department has full authority to investigate. Once the cash is handed over to the department, they will conduct a thorough examination to verify the source and legality of the funds.