CPI(M) seeks reimbursement of poll expenses, employee allowances

CPI(M) State Secretary V. Srinivasa Rao | Photo credit: File photo

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has urged the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission to ensure reimbursement of expenses incurred by panchayat secretaries in connection with election arrangements and to provide adequate facilities and allowances to staff deployed for election duties in the upcoming gram panchayat elections.

In a letter to state election commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha on Wednesday, CPI(M) state secretary V. Srinivasa Rao said that panchayat secretaries in several districts spent money from their own pockets on election measures during the MPTC and ZPTC elections, including providing food to police personnel.

He said that more than a week has passed since the completion of corporate, municipal, MPTC and ZPTC elections but the government is yet to release the funds. This caused financial hardship to the panchayat secretaries. He called on the Commission to intervene and ensure the release of outstanding amounts.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao also said that complaints were received that employees involved in counting votes under Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) limits were paid only 50% of their entitled remuneration. He urged the Commission to investigate the complaints and take appropriate action.

Highlighting the difficulties faced by teachers and other staff deployed for election duties, he said adequate facilities were not provided on the election day. Some of the female employees were assigned duties in remote villages, causing them considerable hardship.

He urged the Commission to avoid deploying women to remote polling stations while keeping their safety in mind during the upcoming gram-panchayat elections.

The CPI(M) president also pointed out that travel allowances were not paid to personnel deployed for election duties. He urged the Commission to ensure adequate facilities, allowances and reimbursement of travel expenses for all staff deployed in the next round of elections.

Published – 11 Nov 2026 18:43 IST