Centre in a fix over economic stimulus packages

 The Election Commission's decision to announce the Lok Sabha poll dates on Monday and immediately implement the code of conduct has taken the United Progressive Alliance by surprise, as it was planning to introduce some more financial stimulus packages to beat the economic slowdown.

The cabinet secretary has now decided to approach the Election Commission and seek permission to make certain announcements about the stimulus packages, as the government cannot wait for another two and a half months, till the end of the poll process.

The cabinet secretary will approach the Election Commission with a list of all the stimulus proposals in the pipeline, said sources.

The rules permit the government to make announcements, provided they are first cleared by the Election Commission and that is exactly what the government is going to do, the sources added.