ANNEXURE

MINUTES OF MEETING OF ELECTION COMMITTEE OF COA ELECTION-2008 EPCH HELD AT 03:00 PM ON TUESDAY, 22ND APRIL'2008 AT COMMITTEE ROOM OF O/O DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONER (HANDICRAFTS), R. K. PURAM, NEW DELHI

The following were present: -

Dr. Sandeep Srivastava

Mr. M. A. Chisti

Mr. S. B. Singh

Mr. P. D. Mathur

Mr. R. K. Verma

Chairman-Election-2008 &

Addl. Dev. Commnr. (Handicrafts)

Member, Election Committee

Returning Officer, Election-2008

Election Officer, Election-2008

CONTESTANTS:

Mr. Navratan Samdria

Mr. Deepak Jain

Mr. Harish Lall

Mr. Virender Kandwal

Mr. Naresh Kr. Sadh

Mr. Manish Goyal

Mr. D. S. Sawhney

REPRESENTING:

Samdria Export

Deepak Manuf. Co.,

Aarti Silverware P. ltd.

Care Well Systems & Services

A. K. Dyeing

B M S Overseas

Sawhney Brother

The Chairman-Election-2008 welcomed the members present and briefed about the procedure of forthcoming election. He assured the members that the election process is being undertaken in a transparent manner. He appreciated the members for attending the meeting.

The Chairman of Election Committee invited views from the contestants present in the meeting:

Shri Harish Lall one of the contestants stated as follows:-

- Election Rules 22 and 25 are not in conformity.

- Further member are misusing the provision of Election Rule 4 ( c ) i.e. Authorized representative. Authorized Representative forms are being collected by members.

- We should analyze the root cause why its happening?

The Chairman Election committee emphasized that the Election of COA 2008 is being conducted as per Election Rules adopted by COA and circulated to members alongwith Election notice. All contestant candidates may forward their suggestions, if any in this regard in writing to COA-EPCH for future amendments.

Regarding queries of Mr. Harish Lall, the Election Committee was of the view that the Election Rules 22 and 25 must be read alongwith Election Rule 26 ( a ) and 27 ( a ). Regarding Authorized Representative, the same is defined in the Election Rule.

Mr. Virender Kandwal expressed his views on the following issues: -

- Election Rules 26 (b) regarding receipt of ballot papers in Council's office. Also undelivered ballot paper received back to EPCH.

- Election Rule 26 ( c ) and 4 (e) regarding list of members who are in arrears and disqualified, need clarification about issue to ballot paper to such members.

The Returning Officer informed that ballot paper received from members are being kept in safe custody and a Register of such ballot paper duly signed by him on daily basis is maintained. Similarly, undelivered ballots paper are entered in a register and kept in safe custody without opening.

The Returning Officer informed that he has issued ballot papers to eligible voters.

Further Mr. Kandwal stated that he has written a letter about the dispatch of ballot paper by speed post and further clarification about voting by Authorized Representative. He has received a reply that Election are being conducted as per Election Rules. Mr. Kandwal desired further clarification on the issue raised by him in his letter.

The Returning Officer informed that the Ballot papers were issued as per Election Rule wherein according to Rule no.21 (a), ballot paper can be dispatched by way of Registered post or speed post to all eligible members.

Mr. Kandwal further suggested that EPCH should place the list of ballot paper received and posted on website. Also EPCH should send email to members to send their ballot papers to directly EPCH and not to hand over to any one.

Returning officer informed that the procedure is being followed as per Election rules.

Mr. Navratan Samdria wanted to know if a member is based in Chennai / or other city of India. Can such member post his ballot from New Delhi.

The Returning Officer informed that if ballot paper is received as per mode of delivery as defined in Election Rules, the said Ballot paper will be accepted.

Further Mr. Samdria desired to know if a third person is listed in EPCH website as Authorized Representative but he is not proprietor / director / partner. Whether such person be considered as voter or not?

The Returning Officer informed that 'voter' is defined in Election Rules 4(d).

He further informed the committee about non-delivery of ballot papers to some of the members and delivery of the registered ballot paper by the postman without obtaining any signatures or acknowledgement. Mr. Samdria named that his following companies has not received ballot papers in envelopes: -

1. Beauty Art Exports

2. Samdria Exports

3. Deepak Manuf. Co.

4. Abhishekh International

The Chairman-EC suggested contestants to forward their letter so that Returning officer may have postal enquiry from postal authorities.

Mr. Samdria further expressed his concern about ballot papers without serial number therefore election process is null and void.

The Returning Officer informed that there is no provision in Election rules to have serial numbers on ballot papers. In present Election, a counter foil with name of members and serial number on counter foil of ballot paper have been maintained. In view of secret postal ballot, serial number on ballot paper have not been given.

However, Mr. Samdria contested his issue and desired to forward a written communication in this regard. The Chairman, Election Committee agreed to examine the issue.

Mr. Deepak Jain of Deepak Manuf. Co. informed that his company has not received the ballot papers till date.

The Chairman, Election Committee suggested Mr. Deepak to forward letter in this regard so that Returning Officer may have postal enquiry from postal authorities.

Mr. D. S. Sawhney submitted his representation about the Election of COA 2008 and appropriate reply is at Annexure-I.

The Chairman, Election Committee informed the contestants that reply to their queries will be attended.

THE MEETING ENDED WITH A VOTE OF THANKS TO CHAIR.