Bandipora: In preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, a training programme was on Wednesday conducted for Zonal and Sector Magistrates of 15-Bandipora Assembly Constituency at Mini Secretariat, Bandipora.
The training programme was presided over by District Election Officer ShakeelulRehman and was attended by ARO/ACR Shabir Ahmad Wani, GM DIC, Zonal and Sector Magistrates of 15-Bandipora assembly constituency and other concerned.
The training was aimed to equip zonal and sector magistrates with the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure the smooth conduct of electoral processes and uphold the integrity of elections.
The zonal/sectoral Magistrates were briefed on their roles and responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining impartiality in carrying out duties for conducting peaceful and smooth elections.
On the occasion, DEO emphasized proper training of zonal and sector Magistrates and asked ARO 15-Bandipora to take review from zonal and sector magistrates weekly besides directing the Zonal and Sector Magistrates to ensure assured minimum facility and all other necessary facilities at polling stations.
ARO 15-Bandipora Shabir Ahmad Wani on the occasion highlighted the role and responsibilities of zonal and sector magistrates.
He said magistrates are responsible for election management from the day of appointment till the completion of poll process and asked them to ensure effective implementation of communication plan and assured minimum facilities at each polling station including provision of ramp, drinking water, signages etc.
He also deliberated on pre-poll and poll day responsibilities of Zonal and sector magistrates.
The ARO also emphasized the importance of ethical conduct and adherence to code of conduct for electoral officials.
Meeting of Election Expenditure Monitoring Teams held at G’bal
Ganderbal: In a concerted effort to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process, the Deputy District Election Officer (Dy. DEO) Ganderbal, AbidIqbal Malik along with the Election Expenditure Monitoring Teams, convened a pivotal meeting at the District Treasury Officer’s office, here on Wednesday.
The meeting brought together a dedicated group of officials tasked with overseeing and monitoring election expenditure.
With the upcoming elections looming on the horizon, the discussions were centered on enhancing the efficacy of monitoring mechanisms and fostering collaboration among the teams to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
During the meeting, the Dy.DEO underscored the paramount importance of adhering to stringent guidelines and protocols to curb any potential malpractices related to election expenditure.
Emphasizing the significance of their role in maintaining a level playing field for all candidates, the Dy.DEO urged the teams to exercise diligence and impartiality in their duties.
Furthermore, strategies for leveraging technology and data analytics to streamline monitoring efforts were deliberated upon, with a focus on leveraging innovative tools to identify and address discrepancies promptly.
In adherence to the Election Commission’s directives, the meeting concluded with a renewed resolve to uphold the democratic values and principles enshrined in the electoral process, thereby ensuring a level playing field for all stakeholders involved.
The Meeting was attended by Assistant Expenditure Observers for both the ACs of District Ganderbal, members of Accounting Teams, and Expenditure Monitoring Cell.
First phase of randomization of EVM-VVPATs held at Ramban
Ramban: The first phase of randomization of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) for LokSabha polls, 2024 was conducted here on Wednesday under the supervision of District Election Officer (DEO), Ramban, Baseer-Ul-HaqChaudhary, in presence of representatives of political parties and senior officials.
This exercise has been done for allocation of Ballot Units, Control Units and VVPATs to two assembly segments of the district. About 205 EVMs along with CU and BU and 218 VVPATs were allocated to AC-54 (Ramban) besides allocation of 236 EVMs along with BU and CU and 251 VVPATs to AC-55 (Banihal) for smooth conduct of the polling process.
Speaking on the occasion, the DEO said that the aim of randomization is to ensure free and fair elections with no human intervention as the process is being done by a dedicated software.
Earlier, the DEO briefed the political representatives about the randomization process and assured them that all necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure free and fair polls.
Others present during the randomization were ARO-54, (ACR Ramban) Harpal Singh, ARO-Banihal (SDM), RizwanAsgar, Deputy DEO, Abdul Jabar and DIO NIC, Prashant Kumar.
Distt SVEEP Cell organises awareness Progfor Dalhori citizens
Rajouri: Under the supervision of District Election Officer, Om ParkashBhagat, the District SVEEP Cell Rajouri organized an awareness programme for the residents of Dalhori at HSS Dalhori, here on Wednesday.
Nearly, one hundred prominent citizens actively participated in the programme. Mohammad AyazRaina, lecturer and member of the District SVEEP Cell, extensively discussed the aims and objectives of the initiative, aimed at providing comprehensive awareness to the public about their right to vote and the importance of casting their votes in the forthcoming elections. He emphasized the significance of achieving a target voting percentage of 75% and urged upon all participants to spread the message issued by the District Election Officer to maximize voter turnout.
On the occasion, pamphlets with slogans on vote were also distributed among the attendees.
GCW conducts awareness Prog under SVEEP at Udhampur
Udhampur: SVEEP Cell, Government College for Women, Udhampur, in collaboration with District Election Department, (SVEEP team) organized awareness programme under the banner of Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP).
The programme was organized under the guidance of Principal of the College, Professor NaliniPathania.
The resource persons of the awareness programme were AshwaniKoul Supervisor, Sunil Khajuria BLO 144, Ajit Singh BLO 113, and Satinder Singh BLO 143.
The event started with keynote address by Professor NaliniPathania who emphasized that the purpose of the programme was to educate the students regarding electoral literacy besides motivating them to participate effectively in the election process so that no voter is left behind.
Further, the speaker of the event highlighted introduction of the theme “SVEEP”. He motivated the students to ensure their enrollment in the electoral polls in order to enhance the participation in forthcoming elections for stronger democracy.
Dr. Om Parkash also talked about the significance of active participation in the electoral process for betterment of the nation.
Training Progfor Polling Personnel held in Udhampur
Udhampur: In a proactive move to ensure efficient conduct of the upcoming LokSabha Election 2024, District Election Officer, Udhampur, SaloniRai, engaged with polling personnel at the Government Degree College for Women, Udhampur during an election training session held here on Wednesday.
She emphasized the importance of earnest participation in the training program to enable smooth functioning at the polling stations.
The training initiative, held across various venues including Government Degree College for Women Udhampur, Government Degree College (Boys) Udhampur, Government HSS Chenani, and Town Hall Ramnagar, witnessed a significant turnout of approximately 2150 employees.
The participants received comprehensive instruction on the duties and obligations of Presiding Officers and polling officers, alongside practical demonstrations on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
The training sessions, conducted by designated DLMTs and ALMTs, operated under the supervision of District Election Officer, Deputy DEO, DrAnirudhRai, DSEO, Darshan Kumar (Nodal Officer Trainings), and relevant Assistant Returning Officers (AROs).
SVEEP awareness Progheld for Women field functionaries in Kishtwar
Kishtwar: District Election Office Kishtwar, led by District Election Officer, Dr. DevanshYadav orchestrated a significant awareness and sensitization workshop today under Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) initiative for Anganwari Workers, ICDS helpers, ASHAs, and Women Self Help Group Members.
The event took place under the diligent supervision of Women Nodal Officer for Kishtwar Assembly Constituency 49, ChandanManhas.
The primary objective of the program was to engage women field functionaries and workers in amplifying awareness regarding equitable participation of women in the electoral process, with a special emphasis on upholding ethical voting rights.
The workshop witnessed the presence of District Information Officer, Dr. Kuldeep Kumar, CDPO Kishtwar, IfatAra along with Master Trainer, Riyaz Ahmed Butt, among other relevant stakeholders.
In her opening remarks, Nodal Officer, ChandanManhas underscored the pivotal role of women citizens in the democratic process, particularly in the upcoming General LokSabha Elections of 2024. She emphasized the indispensable contribution of women frontline workers in galvanizing awareness among women voters to exercise their voting rights, thereby fostering maximum participation in democratic exercise.
She reiterated the commitment towards inclusion of every eligible woman of voting age in the Electoral Roll/Register, leaving no one behind. She articulated that the active participation of women in the democratic fabric is indispensable for nurturing an inclusive society that genuinely reflects the diverse needs and perspectives of all constituents.
During the workshop, participants were tasked with identifying women who are yet to be enrolled in the Voters List/Electoral Roll and urged to liaise with respective BLOs to facilitate the registration of eligible women voters and first-time voters alike.
During the programme, Master Trainer, Riyaz Ahmed Butt provided comprehensive guidance on ethical voting practices while elucidating various amenities available at polling stations to facilitate women voters’ seamless participation.
Anganwari Workers, Helpers, ASHAs, and Women SHG members were urged to fervently motivate women voters to exercise their franchise and ensure maximum participation on the polling day of the General LokSabha Election 2024, slated for 19th April 2024 in the district.
Training Session for Micro observers, Video viewing teams, Magistrates held in Doda
Kishtwar: A training session was organized in Doda for Micro observers, Video viewing teams, and Magistrates for upcoming LokSabha Election’s 2024.
The training session was held with an aim to equip these key personnel with necessary skills and knowledge to effectively carry out their duties during the election process.
The training session covered various aspects of election monitoring and management. During the training session, Prof. DrAkhtarHussain, District Level Master Trainer (DLMT) briefed the participants about roles and responsibilities of Micro observers, Video viewing teams as well as the legal framework governing elections.
The participants also received training on how to handle sensitive information and maintain the integrity of electoral process.
The session included practical exercises and simulations to help participants familiarize themselves with the tools and technologies they will be using during the elections. Additionally, experts in the field shared their insights and best practices to enhance the effectiveness of participants in their respective roles.
First phase of EVM randomisation kick starts at Kishtwar
Kishtwar: The inaugural phase of randomisation for Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) for the forthcoming LokSabha Elections 2024 took place here on Wednesday under the chairmanship and close supervision of District Election Officer (DEO) Kishtwar, Dr. DevanshYadav.
ADC Kishtwar/ARO Kishtwar, PawanKotwal; ACR Kishtwar/ARO Inderwal, Idrees Lone; SDM Paddar/ ARO Paddar-Nagseni, Amit Kumar as well as other officials from the District Elections office and representatives from political parties were also present on the occasion.
This initial randomisation phase focused on the allocation of ballot units, control units, and VVPATs for three assembly segments within the district.
During the event, DEO Kishtwar emphasized the objective of ensuring impartial and transparent elections devoid of human intervention, facilitated by dedicated software for randomisation.
DEO, Dr. DevanshYadav elaborated that following randomisation, the EVMs will be securely transferred to dedicated strong rooms in respective constituencies, ensuring rigorous security protocols. Subsequent randomisation phases will be conducted to allocate EVMs to polling stations.
DEO Kishtwar along with AROs and senior officers and representatives of political parties conducted personal visit to the strong rooms established for EVM and took personal appraisal of the arrangements on spot.
Prior to the randomisation process, political representatives received a detailed briefing on the procedure by resource person, Vikrant Thakur, ensuring their confidence in the integrity of the process and affirming that all requisite measures have been enacted to uphold the sanctity of the polls.
Among others, Nodal officer for EVM Management Nirbhay Sharma; DIO NIC PankajKashap; Election NT, Angrez Singh Jasrotia, and other officers were also present.
SVEEP Campaign organised at Padder Kishtwar
Kishtwar: A SVEEP Campaign was on Wednesdayorganised at Gulabgarh, Padder, with special focus on women voters, youth voters, voters with disability and senior citizen voters under the supervision of BDO HQ, ChahatBharti, deputed as Women Nodal officer in PadderNagseni-AC.
During the campaign, an exhaustive interaction session was conducted with Key stakeholders , women voters, AWWs, ASHA workers, BLOs, NRLM SHGs, etc. wherein detailed sensitization regarding poll processes, gender disparity in voter turnout and electors facilitation was held order to ensure free and fair elections. A massive rally was also organised through market area to create awareness among masses regarding participation in upcoming LokSabha elections.
