DEO briefs media regarding Election Schedule
Bandipora: In view of General Elections to Lok Sabha-2024 scheduled to be held on 20th May 2024 in Bandipora district being part of the Baramulla -1 Parliamentary Constituency, the District Election Officer (DEO) Bandipora, ShakeelulRehmanon Monday addressed a press conference at Mini Secretariat, here on Monday.
The DEO said that all the necessary circulars detailing the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct to maintain the sanctity of Electoral Process have been issued.
He said that Bandipora district as part of the Baramulla-1 Parliamentary Constituency has 3 assembly segments including 14-Sonawari, 15-Bandipora and 16 Gurez comprising of a total of 312 polling stations with 137 polling stations in 14-Sonawari, 144 polling stations in 15-Bandipora and 31 polling stations in 16-Gurez with assured minimum facility available at all polling stations across the District.
He revealed that the Gazette Notification will be issued on 26th of April, 2024 for Baramulla-1 Parliamentary Constituency.
The DEO said that 3rd May, 2024 is the last date for filling Nominations and on 4th May, 2024 scrutiny of Nomination shall be held while as 06th May, 2024 is the last date for withdrawal of candidature.
He said 20th may is the poll date for Baramulla -1 Parliamentary Constituency and counting of votes shall be held on 4th of June 2024.
The DEO informed that Bandipora has 258675 Electors as on 18th of March 2024 with 131761 Males,126908 females and 06 TGs.
Giving details regarding SVEEP activities, the DEO said that 213 camps were conducted during special Summary revision, in which 3743 new voters were added.
He also highlighted various activities conducted under SVEEP including Screening of documentary on Electoral participations, Youth Rally for generating Awareness about Voter Registration, Booth Level Camps for demonstrating Saksham application for PwD Voters and involving youth icons for generating voter awareness.
The DEO also mentions the use of Election related IT platforms, including cVIGIL, ENCORE, SUVIDHA, ERONET, NGRS portal, etc.
During the press briefing, the DEO/DC was accompanied by ADC, DyDEO, DIO and other concerned officials.
SVEEP Cell Kulgam engages Young Voters through varied Awareness Activities
Kulgam : SVEEP Cell Kulgam in collaboration with key stakeholders conducted a series of Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) activities aimed at creating awareness among young voters regarding importance of vote.
In this connection, programmes were held at various places and a mega SVEEP programme was carried out at Boys Higher Secondary School Chawalgam, Kulgam.
Nodal officer SVEEP (ACP, Kulgam), CEO Kulgam and other officers and officials, besides young voters participated in the event.
Several engaging activities were organized throughout the program to educate and empower young individuals about their role in the electoral process.
Interactive sessions, informative presentations and discussions were conducted to enlighten participants about the importance of voter registration, polling procedures and the significance of exercising their voting rights.
Nodal officer SVEEP (ACP Kulgam), Nazia Hassan highlighted the pivotal role of youth in shaping the future of the nation and urged them to actively participate in the democratic process.
She urged the youngsters who have attained the age of 18 to get enrolled to become a voter and to participate in the electoral process.
Participants expressed their commitment to spreading awareness among their peers and communities, thus fostering a culture of informed and responsible citizenship.
RO-4 Udhampur PC chairs meeting with political parties
Udhampur: Returning Officer-4 Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency, DrRakeshMinhas (DC Kathua), chaired a meeting on Monday with representatives from various political parties in preparation for the upcoming LokSabha Elections, 2024.
The objective of the interactive session was to emphasize the strict adherence to the ethical standards outlined in the Model Code of Conduct and other pertinent guidelines established by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The meeting provided a platform to sensitize political parties about the paramount importance of maintaining integrity, fairness, and transparency throughout the electoral process. Various pertinent issues were deliberated upon, including adherence to MCC provisions, obtaining permissions for media advertisements and campaign vehicles, as well as the initiation of candidate bank accounts as per the prescribed timeline.
In the discussions held, there was a unanimous acknowledgment of the collective responsibility of all political stakeholders in fostering an environment characterized by ethical conduct and respect for democratic principles.
Returning Officer disclosed that Single Window facility has been put in place for facilitating Political parties/ Contesting candidates to get timely permissions and relevant certificates from fully equipped Election Control Room where all facility have been put in place for smooth conduct of Election related activities.
On the occasion, relevant material issued by ECI was also distributed among the representatives of political parties.
DrRakeshMinhas reiterated the pivotal role of political parties in upholding the democratic fabric of the nation and stressed the imperative of cooperation and adherence to the guidelines delineated in the Model Code of Conduct by the ECI. He urged all parties to exhibit unwavering integrity and responsibility, thus setting a positive precedent for a credible, fair, and peaceful electoral process.
DrRakeshMinhas expressed confidence in the cooperation and compliance of all political parties, fostering an environment conducive to the smooth conduct of the LokSabha Elections.
The meeting was attended by Additional District Commissioner, Ranjit Singh; Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Deputy DEO, Nagesh Singh, Nodal Officer MCMC & SVEEP NeerajBhargav and representatives from various political parties.
DEO B’pora briefs Banks regarding monitoring of Election Expenditure
Bandipora: The District Election Officer (DEO) Bandipora, ShakeelulRehman on Monday convened a meeting with representatives of various banks to discuss and coordinate efforts for the smooth conduct of the upcoming electoral process for LokSabha Election-2024.
Nodal Officer MCC/ADC Umar ShafiPandit, DyDEO Mohammad RafeeqBhat, Nodal Officer Expenditure Monitoring Committee/ DTO Bandipora, Sheikh AabidManzoor, Member Expenditure Monitoring Committee/ DIO Bandipora Dr. Naseer Ahmad, LDM Bandipora and Brach Heads of all Banks operating in the district were also present on the occasion.
The DEO on the occasion emphasized the importance of maintaining financial integrity throughout the electoral process and directed Banks to adhere strictly to guidelines and procedures of Election Commission of India to prevent any instances of malpractice or misuse of funds.
He highlighted the role of banks in election expenditure monitoring and asked them to monitor unusual transactions and suspicious transactions to ensure elections are held in a fair manner.
The DEO directed the banks operating in the district to open dedicated counters for election purposes to facilitate prompt service to the candidates.
Nodal Officer Expenditure monitoring, Sheikh AbidManzoor also highlighted the role of banks in expenditure monitoring and asked the concerned officers of banks to submit daily reports to the District Election Office regarding the suspicious withdrawal of cash during elections.
He asked them to monitor unusual and suspicious cash withdrawal or deposit of cash in a bank exceeding Rs.one lac and unusual transfer of amount through RTGS during the election process.
He also asked the bank heads to monitor cash deposit and withdrawal from bank accounts of political parties besides monitoring online and digital transactions.
The Nodal Officer Expenditure Monitoring Committee also stressed on banks to ensure the following of necessary SOPs for transporting Cash by ATM Vans and ensure that the cash vans shall not under any circumstances transport cash of any third party.
DM Ramban directs all gun license holders to deposit weapons ahead of LokSabha Elections
Ramban: The District Magistrate/ District Election Officer (DM/DEO) Ramban, Baseer-Ul-HaqChaudhary directed all licensed arms holders to deposit their arms at the nearest police stations within 07 days in view of LokSabha polls-2024.
The District Magistrate asked all the civilians and forces personnel (retired and serving) presently residing within the territorial jurisdiction of District Ramban and who are in possession of arms and ammunition on a valid arms licence shall deposit their arms and ammunition in the concerned police stations within a period of seven days from the date of issuance of the order.
This measure is for preventive law to ensure conduct of peaceful, free and fair polls during the General Election to LokSabha- 2024.
In a statement, the Additional District Magistrate said that the prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC had come into force with effect from March 16, as per the Election Commission of India (ECI)‘s Model Code of Conduct.
Further, the order clarifies that there shall be a complete prohibition on issuance of new arms licence till the culmination of election process.
DEO Rajouri addresses press briefing regarding preparations for Lok Sabha Elections 2024
Rajouri: District Election Officer Rajouri, Om PrakashBhagat, convened a comprehensive press briefing to outline the preparedness and arrangements for the forthcoming LokSabha Elections 2024. With the Election Commission of India (ECI) having recently announced the schedule for the elections, the district is gearing up to facilitate a smooth and fair electoral process.
The DEO emphasized the importance of all political parties and contesting candidates adhering to the Model Code of Conduct throughout the electoral process.
He also informed that District Rajouri comprises two Parliamentary Constituencies – Jammu and Anantnag-Rajouri, encompassing a total of five Assembly Constituencies including Nowshera, Rajouri, Budhal, Thanamandi and Kalakote-Suderbani.
The district boasts a total population of 642,415 as per the 2011 Census, with 484,632 electors comprising male, female, and third gender voters. Notably, the district exhibits a commendable inclusion effort, with 3,708 PWD electors.
The District Election Officer further briefed that the district has a robust polling infrastructure comprising 680 polling stations across urban and rural areas, with 350 stations planned for webcasting and additional provisions for shadow areas, has been established. Moreover, there are 15 model polling stations.
Adequate human resources have been mobilized, including 5 AROs, 680 BLOs, 27 ZOs, and 71 Sector Officers. Comprehensive training programs conducted by state, district, and assembly-level master trainers ensure the competency of election personnel in carrying out their duties effectively, he added.
The DEO assured that minimum facilities such as ramps, drinking water, furniture, electricity, and toilets are provided across all polling stations to facilitate a seamless voting experience for voters. Furthermore, he said that sufficient EVMs and VVPATs are available, ensuring the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.
Media persons were also sensitized to use the print and electric media for advertisement only after approval from MCMC committees, adhering to MCC guidelines of ECI. They were also asked to restrain themselves from Paid news without following ECI guidelines.
DEO chairs Bankers meeting on Model Code of Conduct for Lok Sabha Election 2024
Udhampur: District Election Officer, Udhampur, Saloni Rai, presided over a crucial meeting concerning the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and the pivotal role of bankers in ensuring the smooth conduct of LokSabha election 2024 in the district.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, Joginder Singh Jasrotia, Deputy DEO, Dr AnirudhRai, AROs, LDM, BMs and others stakeholders attended the meeting.
Detailed discussions were held on various aspects which includes facilitation in opening bank accounts by candidates and issuing cheque books, for sending suspicious transaction report exceeding Rs.10 lakh, for explaining the procedure to be followed for ATM vans as per guideline of Ministry of Finance, ensure compliance of provisions related to defacement of property.
During the meeting, bankers were also briefed on the utilization of the cVIGIL portal and the standard operating procedures (SOP) to be followed for the seizure of any unidentified cash during the MCC period.
Additionally, detailed discussions were held on the procedure for cash remittance between banks, with a mandate for reporting any cash withdrawals exceeding Rs. 10 lakhs to the Election Commission of India (ECI).
DEO Ramban bolsters official machinery for seamless Lok Sabha Election conduct, MCC implementation
Ramban: In view of the ensuing LokSabha Election 2024, District Election Officer, Ramban, Baseer-Ul-HaqChaudhary chaired a meeting of all nodal officers to assess the progress, focused on ensuring proper arrangements at polling booths, adherence to Election Commission guidelines and maximizing voter participation.
ADC, Varunjeet Singh Charak, ARO Ramban S. Harpal Singh, and Nodal Officers of various committees were present on the occasion.
The DEO issued necessary directions to all the nodal officers for the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct to maintain the sanctity of the electoral process. The circular, directed to all district officers and officials, outlines essential measures to ensure a level playing field for all political entities.
Reviewing the action taken by the nodal officers regarding their respective assignments/ committees, the DEO directed the nodal officers to be well-prepared for their respective roles and responsibilities during the election. Their commitment to upholding electoral laws, regulations, and ethical standards was stressed to ensure the integrity and fairness of the electoral process.
DEO stressed the need to fulfill basic requirements at all polling stations and also directed the concerned to launch awareness campaigns to encourage maximum voting turnout.
In Ramban district, there are a total of 348 polling stations. The LokSabha Elections for 2024 are set to take place on April 19, 2024, within the district as part of Parliamentary Constituency 04 Udhampur, in the first phase of the elections. The counting of votes is scheduled for June 4, 2024.
DEO Reasi chairs meeting with Nodal Officers on Election preparedness
Reasi: The District Election Officer Reasi, VisheshMahajan, chaired a meeting with all nodal officers to discuss and review the preparedness for the upcoming elections.
Key points addressed included the establishment of a control room, maintenance of law and order, coordination for the movement of polling parties, provision of parking facilities, EVM training, and transport management syste
DEO VisheshMahajan emphasized the significance of these aspects in ensuring the smooth conduct of the electoral process. He emphasized that each polling station should be decorated, clean, well-equipped with electricity, water supply, and proper toilet facilities to ensure the convenience of voters and polling staff. DEO Reasi urged all nodal officers to continue their concerted efforts to uphold the integrity and transparency of the electoral process in Reasi district.
ADDC Sukhdev Singh Samyal, ADC KulbhushanKhajuria Nodal officer for MCC, PO Poshan Mohammad Anwar Banday Nodal officer for training, ACD Pardeep Kumar Nodal officers for logistics, Dy. DEO Rakesh Kumar, DIO Nasir Ahmed Nodal officer for SVEEP and other Nodal officers were present in the meeting.
Samba DC chairs meeting on election preparedness
Samba : With the implementation of Model Code of Conduct, a meeting regarding election preparedness was convened on Monday by the Deputy Commissioner Samba, Abhishek Sharma with all Nodal officers to review the preparedness of the forthcoming LokSabha elections.
Chairing the meeting, the DC asked all to render exemplary services with dedication and devotion to maintain peace and order in District Samba.
DC informed that Sector Magistrates, FST, VST, SST and VVT have already been deployed round the clock and urged them to monitor any possible violation of MCC ahead of the Election to the LokSabha.
He also urged the team of EEMC (Election Expenditure Monitoring Cell) to be abreast with the legal framework, monitoring and enforcement mechanisms and the reporting requirements which is a crucial aspect of ensuring transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
He also directed the Media Certification and Monitoring Cell to carry out social media monitoring along with paid news and other advertisements in print and electronic media.
The DC further emphasized about the C-vigil investigator app” which is an online application for citizens to report on model code of conduct violations during the election period. However, the Flying Squads and Static Surveillance Teams will have to submit all their seizures of cash and materials in ESMS (Election Seizure Management System) app which would provide real-time data of seizures, added the DC.
Furthermore, he stressed on the process of seizure of items while adding that videography has to be done during seizure and also briefed on steps to be taken after seizure of illegal ite He also stressed on checking of warehouses, Wine shop etc and urged the officers from Tax and Excise to carry out checking drives with the Police and to ensure closure of illegally running wine shops.
The DC also said that Vulnerability mapping has to be done as soon as possible.
ADC Suresh C. Sharma, GM DIC (Nodal Officer MCC) Gurpreet Singh, Deputy DEO Harvinder Singh and DIO (Nodal Officer MCMC) AshiqRafiq Malik and other employees attended the meeting.
Distt SVEEP Cell Rajouri organized awareness Progfor young voters at Himalayan Super School Dhangri
Rajouri: Team of SVEEP Cell Rajouriorganised awareness for young voters at Himalayan Super School Dhangri under the able guidance and direction of District Election Officer Om ParkashBhagat .
The team was headed by Nodal Officer SVEEP Cell Rajouri accompanied by Dr. Khalid Rayaz and Prof.AjazNazir.
The programme started with the welcome adress by DrkhalidReyaz, one of the member of SVEEP cell. Speaking on the occasion Prof MohdIqbalRaina Nodal Officer for SVEEP said that the objective of SVEEP is to encourage young voters to participate in the electoral process and make informed decisions while casting your votes.
He urged the young voters to exercise their franchise without fail and contribute to the strengthening of democracy.
The programme was attended by staff and good number of students. At the end the formal vote of thanks was presented by Principal Iqbal Shawl of Himalayan super School DhangriRajouri.
DEO Samba chairs meeting with Political Parties ahead of LS Elections 2024
Samba : District Election Officer, Samba, Abhishek Sharma on Monday convened a crucial meeting with representatives from various political parties in preparation for the forthcoming LokSabha Elections in 2024.
The primary objective of the meeting was to emphasize onthe significance of upholding the highest ethical standards as outlined in the Model Code of Conduct and other relevant guidelines established by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Key discussions during the session included issues such as adherence to MCC provisions, obtaining permissions for media advertisements and campaign logistics, as well as initiating candidate bank accounts in accordance with stipulated timelines.
The meeting served as a platform to sensitize political parties about the imperative nature of maintaining integrity, fairness, and transparency throughout the electoral process. It emphasized the collective commitment of all stakeholders towards fostering an environment characterized by ethical conduct and accountability.
The DEO reiterated the pivotal role of political parties in upholding the democratic ethos of the nation and urged cooperation and adherence to the guidelines set forth by the ECI.
The meeting served as a reaffirmation of the collective commitment towards ensuring a democratic electoral process characterized by integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct.
He expressed confidence in the cooperation and adherence of all political parties to the guidelines outlined, thereby fostering a conducive environment for the smooth conduct of the LokSabha Elections.
Among the attendees were distinguished officials including SSP Vinay Sharma, ADC Suresh Sharma, GM DIC Gurpreet Singh, Deputy DEO Harvinder Singh, DIO AshiqRafiq Malik, and representatives from various political parties.
