New Delhi : The Election Commission of India has directed multiple enforcement and security agencies to maintain a special vigil and take proactive measures to curb the use of black money, drugs and other illegal inducements during the upcoming Assembly elections in five regions.

The poll panel issued the instructions shortly after announcing the election schedule for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and the Union Territory of Puducherry at a press conference on March 15.

In separate communications, the Commission asked key investigative and intelligence agencies to intensify monitoring during the election period to ensure that the polls are conducted on a “level-playing field” without the influence of illicit cash or narcotics.

Agencies contacted by the Commission include the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) for the Income Tax Department, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).

Security forces such as the Border Security Force, Sashastra Seema Bal and the Railway Protection Force have also been asked to step up surveillance.

The Commission directed the CBDT to deploy Income Tax investigation teams across poll-bound regions to track the movement of unaccounted cash. These teams will monitor airports, major railway stations, hotels, farmhouses and suspected hawala networks.

Air Intelligence Units stationed at airports have also been asked to keep watch on the movement of large sums of money through private jets and commercial flights. “If any cash exceeding Rs 10 lakh is reported to the Income Tax Department, they shall take steps to take necessary action,” the Commission said.

The FIU has been instructed to share suspicious transaction reports with the poll body and provide information related to candidates’ financial activity, including assets declared during the nomination process.

All enforcement agencies have also been asked to upload real-time data on interceptions and seizures on the Commission’s online Election Seizure Management System (ESMS).

The EC further directed the NCB and DRI to closely monitor the movement of narcotics and counterfeit currency that could be used as inducements during the elections. The ED has been tasked with keeping a watch on possible money laundering activities.

“If any instance of money laundering related to politically exposed persons connected with political activities directly or indirectly comes to light, coordinated action may be taken,” the Commission said.

Border guarding forces, including the BSF and SSB, have also been instructed to maintain close surveillance along international borders to prevent smuggling of liquor, drugs, bullion, unaccounted cash and fake currency that could influence the electoral process.

According to the schedule announced by the Commission, Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will be held on April 9, while Tamil Nadu will vote on April 23. West Bengal will go to the polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29. Counting of votes for all the elections will take place on May 4.