Collectors urge private financial institutions, printing presses and marriage halls to follow MCC

Marriage halls, printing presses, pawn shops, and hotels were asked to follow the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), ahead of the Assembly elections in Salem and Namakkal districts.

On Tuesday (March 17, 2026), Salem District Collector R. Brindha Devi and Namakkal District Collector Durgamoorthi conducted meetings regarding the enforcement of MCC. The Collectors stated that hall owners should provide the details of functions to be held at their venue with the copy of invitations to the returning officers, on a daily basis. Distribution of gifts at the halls must be prohibited. If political parties are willing to conduct meetings at the halls, the owners should check whether they have obtained permission from the officials concerned, post which the event can be allowed. 

Likewise, printing press owners should mention the details of their facility along with the address on the pamphlets or posters. The Collectors added that private financiers and pawn shop owners should maintain the register well which contains the details of persons who have pledged their jewellery. They must submit the register to the officials whenever required.

The pawn shop owners were asked not to lend money without proper documents, failing which may lead to cancellation of the shop’s license. The money transactions should only be done online.

To prevent misusing ambulances and bank vehicles, the vehicle should have a QR code that is created using the ESMS app. Third-party money should not be transported in vehicles and an official bank letter and documents should be available, which should be produced when asked by the officials. The staff in the vehicles should also own identity cards, the Collectors added.