‘Voluntary Code of Ethics for the General Election 2019’
It was recently presented by Social media platforms and the Internet and Mobile Association of India to the Election Commission.
It would remain operational during the election.
Its purpose is to identify measures that the platforms can take to increase confidence in the electoral process.
It is also to safeguard against misuse that vitiates the “free and fair character” of the Lok Sabha polls.
Campaigns will be organised to create awareness, including on electoral laws and other instructions from the Election Commission of India (EC).
The platforms and the Commission have developed a notification mechanism by which the electoral body can notify them of potential violations under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, and on other matters.
A high-priority dedicated reporting mechanism is being created for the EC and dedicated persons appointed for the purpose.
The platforms will also ensure that political advertisements by parties or their candidates are pre-certified.
National Anti-Profiteering Authority
It was set up under Section 171 of the Central GST Act, 2017 to check whether trade and industry were passing on rate reductions under the GST.
It checks the unfair profit-making activities by the trading community. Directorate General of Anti-profiteering is the investigating-arm in the anti-profiteering mechanism.
It can summon or make inquiry or call for the relevant documents for the investigation.
Consumer complaints are not the only trigger for the NAA to act.
Mock purchases can be made by NAA offices to check a trader’s invoice for profiteering.
Besides interested parties, the NAA chairman, as a civilian, could also take note of any instance.
Terms of Reference
The non economical matters In the terms of reference that shall be taken into consideration by the Fifteenth Finance Commission in making the recommendations are
Efforts and Progress made in moving towards replacement rate of population growth;
Achievements in implementation of flagship schemes of Government of India, disaster resilient infrastructure, sustainable development goals, and quality of expenditure;
Progress made in sanitation, solid waste management and bringing in behavioural change to end open defecation.
The Commission shall also use the population data of 2011 while making its recommendations.
The Commission may also review the present arrangements on financing Disaster Management initiatives, with reference to the funds constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (53 of 2005), and make appropriate recommendations thereon.
