The code includes withdrawing official vehicles of all office-bearers in all civic bodies in the district. Voting will take place in the state in three phases, on April 16, 23 and 30. Pune will vote on April 23.

“The model code of conduct has come into effect from 3.30 pm today till May 16 and all administrative heads of the municipal corporations and councils have been asked to withdraw vehicles allotted to office-bearers,” district collector Chandrakant Dalvi said.

He said 179 vehicles had been allotted to various office-bearers in the district. It will be the responsibility of the administrative heads to ensure these are withdrawn.

Pune Mayor Rajlaxmi Bhosale and Pimpri-Chinchwad Mayor Aparna Doke, as well as the office-bearers in the two civic bodies, will have to surrender their office vehicles. Administrative heads have also been instructed to follow norms, Dalvi said, adding that no policy decision can be taken during the period.

Officers should also ensure that ministers visiting the district use official vehicles and guesthouse only for government work. Government staff allotted to the elected representatives on personal duty cannot be used. Political parties would be distributed a copy of the model code. Elected representatives will not be allowed to avail the free air and train travel facilities.

The administration has been asked to ban defacement of private properties by political parties. All political hoardings and banners have to be removed immediately. The district collector will be the district election officer and four returning officers, one each for the four constituencies Pune, Shirur, Baramati and Maval, will look after the election process, he said.