Ceiling on poll expenses for candidates raised

CHENNAI: The State Election Commission on Friday hiked the expenditure ceiling for candidates contesting for the upcoming elections to the local bodies.The candidates should submit their expenditure accounts to the authorities within 30 days of the declaration of the results of the polls. Those who fail to submit the accounts as specified will be disqualified for contesting the elections to the local bodies in the future.The name of the post and expenditure ceiling fixed by the State Election Commission are as follows: the candidates for Chennai Corporation Mayor (Rs 11.25 lakh), candidates for mayorship (Except Chennai - Rs 5,62,500), Chennai Corporation Councillor (Rs 56,250), Corporation Councillor (except Chennai - Rs 33,750), municipal chairman (selection and special grades - Rs 2.25 lakh), the  Municipal Chairman (first and second grade - Rs 1,12,500), District Panchayat Ward Councillor (Rs 1,12,500), panchayat union ward councillor and municipal councillor (selection and special grades - Rs 56,250), town panchayat chairman (Rs 56,250), panchayat union ward councillor (Rs 56,250), municipal councillor (first and second grade - Rs 22,500), village panchayat president (Rs .22,500), town panchayat councillor (Rs 11,250) and village panchayat ward councillor (Rs 5,625).