KOCHI: Kerala state chief electoral officer E. K. Majhi has directed all district collectors to pay suitable compensation for damages, if any, caused to the aided schools which are polling stations during elections.
The CEE has also ordered that compensation for electricity and water usage from the school also should be made. This direction was issued on March 26 in a letter to the collectors on a petition filed by Kerala Aided School Managers Association and manager, Aided Junior Basic School, Palakkad.
The petitioners pointed out that during elections the school premises are taken over by authorities without notice, and they possess furniture and school property without the permission of managers. They say polling officials disfigure walls with notices, use electricity and water and often cause damages to furniture.
“In the circumstances, I call your attention in the matter and request to bring to the notice of all election related officials to pay suitable compensation to the school authorities for the damages if any caused during the election process. Prior notice should be given to managers and owners of private buildings,” the communication said.
