With the model code of conduct in force on the eve of the Lok Sabha polls, the bureaucracy functions directly under the control of the Election Commission. As reported in The Indian Express the state government had stripped the chief secretary of powers to write the confidential reports of Class A bureaucrats in the state.

The notification which was to come into retrospective effect from June 9 when the Luizinho Faleiro government assumed office also stripped the chief secretary of powers to review the confidential reports of senior service officials like the director-general of police.

The notificationwhich came closely on the heels of Chief Secretary Sewa Ram Sharma being divested of important portfolios raised a hue and cry among the Opposition parties. It was even alleged by the Bharatiya Janata Party that the notification could hamper the conduct of a free and fair poll since the confidential career report of the chief electoral officer would now be signed by the chief minister himself.

Chief Minister Luizinho Faleiro who is lobbying for a new chief secretary for Goa has however toned down his criticism of Sharma after being hit back by the bureaucracy, say sources. None of the four IAS officers short-listed from the Central cadre by the state-government are prepared to replace Sharma. Home Minister L K Advani hinted as much during his visit to the state last week on an election campaign. The replacement of Sharma would take time, he had told press persons.

EC for green electioneering

The Election Commission is in favour of environment-friendly electioneering in the country. The EC has ina circular advised political parties to from refrain using plastic and other environmentally hazardous substances in their campaign material.

The suggestion has been largely welcomed by political parties in Goa, though they felt that advance notice could have been given in this regard. "We are using existing stocks of plastic flags ordered during the assembly elections," said a party spokesperson. The BJP is one of the biggest users of plastic-coated flags.

Representatives of other parties also felt that increasing awareness would reduce the use of eco-unfriendly substances in campaign material in future elections.