Election Commission guidelines hit poster business in Punjab

Ludhiana, Jan 4 (ANI): Poster business in Ludhiana, Punjab has taken a beating after the Election Commission laid down strict guidelines to ensure that polls are conducted in a free and fair manner.

The objective of this announcement is to ensure that the candidates do not spend exorbitantly on their election campaigns.

On the downside, people working for printing presses are facing the dire consequences, as they haven't reaped gold this time during the election season.

Previously, candidates would spend unbelievable amounts on their election manifestos, but the tables have now turned.

"Our orders have reduced, due to the strict rules set by the Election Commission and there is reduction in employment as well. Candidates themselves are scared of getting any material printed. When materials would be made, employment would also be generated among people, like women would get jobs to sew, but now everyone is sitting idle. We are incurring a loss of around Rs. 100 crore," said Praveen Choudhury, owner of a printing press.

Most people belonging to this industry have lost all hope, as the Election Commission is monitoring pre-poll processes.

"Since the rules are strict, the orders are fewer this time. We have barely received orders this time, only 20 days are left, but there is hardly any work happening," said Neeraj Sharma, owner of a printing press.

Apart from Punjab, elections are to take place in four other states, including Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Manipur and Uttarakhand. (ANI)