Odisha’s State Election Commission has decided to relax the restrictions it had imposed on contestants for the ongoing panchayat elections on January 10.

In an order passed on Monday, the SEC said that door-to-door campaign would be allowed with 20 persons, including the candidate. The earlier limit was five persons.

Similarly, the commission has allowed holding of public meetings by political parties and contesting candidates with a maximum limit of 300 persons in open ground subject to strict adherence to the Covid-19 protocol including face masks and social distancing.

The order, which came into effect from Monday, was issued following the commission’s review of the prevailing Covid situation in the state.

The three tier panchayat elections being held after five years are being seen as a crucial test of popularity for all political parties which will be facing the general elections of 2024 in another two years time. Polling for the five-phase panchayat elections commences from February 16.

Schools reopen

All educational institutions resumed physical classes across Odisha on Monday, almost a month after remaining closed in wake of the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, adds PTI.

All classes for students of Class 7 and above, colleges, ITIs, polytechnics, professional institutions and universities started functioning adhering to the Covid-19 guidelines.