CPI(M) seeks reimbursement of poll expenses, staff 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 the reimbursement of expenses incurred by panchayat secretaries on election arrangements and provide adequate facilities and allowances to personnel deployed for poll duties in the forthcoming gram panchayat elections.In a letter to State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha on Wednesday, CPI(M) State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao said panchayat secretaries in several districts had spent money from their own pockets on polling arrangements during the MPTC and ZPTC elections, including providing food to police personnel.He said more than a week had passed since the completion of the corporation, municipal, MPTC and ZPTC elections, but the government had yet to release the funds. This had caused financial difficulties for panchayat secretaries. He urged the Commission to intervene and ensure the release of the pending amounts.Mr. Srinivasa Rao also said complaints had been received that personnel involved in vote counting within the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) limits had been paid only 50% of their eligible remuneration. He urged the Commission to look into the complaints and take appropriate action.Highlighting the difficulties faced by teachers and other personnel deployed for polling duties, he said adequate facilities had not been provided on polling day. Some women employees had been assigned duties in remote villages, causing them considerable hardship.He urged the Commission to avoid deploying women personnel at remote polling stations during the forthcoming gram panchayat elections, keeping their safety in mind.The CPI(M) leader also pointed out that personnel deployed for election duties had not been paid travelling allowances. He urged the Commission to ensure adequate facilities, allowances and reimbursement of travel expenses for all personnel deployed for the next round of elections. Published - November 11, 2026 06:43 pm IST