LS Elections 2024: First Randomization of Polling Personnel held at Samba
Samba: The District Election Officer Samba, Abhishek Sharma on Friday supervised the first randomization process of polling staff to be deployed across 365 polling stations for the Parliamentary Elections-2024.
The randomisation process took place in the meeting hall of the DC office complex, with key officials and stakeholders were present.
The randomization process was conducted as per the prescribed guidelines of ECI ensuring fairness and impartiality in the selection of polling staff.
Additional SP Samba, Nodal Officer Law & Order; Nodal Officer HR/Manpower management; Nodal Officer Training and Dy. DEO Samba were present on the occasion.
DC Poonch reviews arrangements for Shab-e-Qadar, Navratras, Eid ul Fitar, Baisakhi
Poonch: Deputy Commissioner, Yasin M. Choudhary on Friday convened a meeting of officers of different departments, civil society members and representatives of religious organisations to review the arrangements for Shab-e-Qadar, Navratras, Eid ul Fitar and Baisakhi.
During the meeting, religious heads and prominent citizens raised various issues related to arrangements. The representatives demanded adequate measures for sanitation, uninterrupted electricity, regular and safe drinking water supply, security arrangements, traffic management, adequate stocks of ration, checking on rates and quality of food items, parking, medical facilities etc.
Addressing the officers during the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner directed the Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs authorities to keep a check on the rates and quality of food items being sold during the festival. He also instructed the PDD and PHE departments to provide adequate power and potable water supply.
The CA&FCS department was asked to keep essential commodities available as per need as well as monitor public distribution. The Municipal Committee was directed to maintain sanitation around the places of worship and public gatherings. The police were asked to provide security during festivals.
The Deputy Commissioner also called for interdepartmental coordination and impressed upon functionaries to put in place all necessary arrangements well in time for the smooth celebration of the festival.
The meeting was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Chairman Municipal Council Poonch, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, CMO, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Tehsildar (Hqr), Xen PHE, Xen JPDCL, CEO Municipality, District information officer, ARTO, Chief Sheep Husbandry officer, Assistant Commissioner Food Safety, AEE STD Kamsar, I/C Fire and Emergency Services, along with various Religious Head, civil Society members and Prominent Citizens of district.
LS Elections 2024: DEO Samba inspects polling stations, bunkers in border areas
Samba: District Election Officer (DEO), Samba, Abhishek Sharma on Friday undertook a comprehensive visit of polling stations in border areas of BOP Suresh Nanga, Ramgarh and other adjoining areas to assess and review the status of assured minimum facilities in view of upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024.
During the visit, the DEO had detailed assessment of the essential facilities in Polling Booths for the smooth conduct of Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in the border areas.
He engaged with the stakeholders to ensure that all necessary arrangements are put in place to facilitate smooth and efficient voting process. He also took stock of provision of basic amenities like electricity, water supply, sanitation facilities, and accessibility for differently-abled voters at the polling stations.
It was informed that two model air-conditioner equipped bunkers, one each established in block Ramgarh and block Suchetgarh are fully functional. These model bunkers can be used by the general public in wake of Pakistan shelling and as library, gym and for the entertainment purpose during normalcy.
LS Elections 2024: DEO Rajouri interacts with polling personnel undergoing training
Rajouri: District Election Officer (DEO), Om Prakash Bhagat on Friday interacted with the polling personnel undergoing training in morning shift at Government Degree College, here.
As many as 650 officials will be trained in two shifts. The training session emphasizes the pivotal role of polling personnel in upholding the democratic process and ensuring the fair and efficient conduct of elections.
Addressing the gathering, the DEO reiterated the importance of meticulous preparation and unwavering dedication in facilitating smooth functioning at the polling stations. He emphasized that the success of the electoral process depends upon the dedication and diligence of each individual involved in the electoral machinery. During the interactive session, polling personnel were acquainted with various aspects of the election procedure, while hands-on training was also imparted in each training session.
The District Election Officer impressed upon the polling personnel to perform their duties with utmost sincerity and commitment, upholding principles of democracy and ensuring a transparent and impartial electoral process.
Among the others, ACR, Mohammad Jhangir Khan; DPO, Mohammad Nawaz Choudhary; Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Dr Khalid Hussain; District Nodal Officer SVEEP, Iqbal Raina and other concerned officers accompanied the DEO during his visit.
LS Elections 2024: DEO Rajouri reviews security arrangements
Rajouri: District Election Officer (DEO), Rajouri, Om Prakash Bhagat on Friday convened a meeting with the Army and police authorities to discuss security arrangements for Lok Sabha Elections 2024.
Recognizing the critical importance of maintaining law and order, and to contain any untoward incident during the electoral process, the DEO emphasized the need for robust coordination among all security forces and law enforcement agencies for smooth execution of elections.
The DEO underscored the significance of border area sanitization to contain all potential security threats and asked for keeping high vigil in border areas, towns and at sensitive locations.
Furthermore, the DEO stressed the importance of maintaining dominance at the ALG Rajouri, underscoring its strategic significance in ensuring the security and integrity of the electoral process.
By fostering collaboration and synergy among the stakeholders, the District administration Rajouri aims to create a conducive environment wherein voters can exercise their franchise without fear or intimidation in a properly secure environment.
Dy. Commandant BSF, Gajendra Prasad; ASP CID, Zulfqar Ahmed; Town CDR, Munish Chandan; SDPO Manjakote, Tussif Ahmed; DySP HQr Rajouri, Ashwani Sharma; Dy. SP CID, Deepak Jasrotia; Sector Officer IB, Vivek Rattan and other concerned officers were present on the occasion.
LS Elections 2024: General, Police Observer interacts with AROs, Nodal officers of Kathua Distt
Kathua: General Observer, Dheeraj Kumar and Police Observer, Daljeet Singh for General Elections, on Friday held a maiden meeting with Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) and Election Nodal Officers of district Kathua here.
The purpose of the meeting was to review the election preparedness for the upcoming polls scheduled to be held in the constituency on April 19.
During the meeting, Returning Officer for 4-Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency, Dr. Rakesh Minhas (District Election Officer Kathua), briefed the Observers about the status of election-related processes being followed in the parliamentary constituency.
The General Observer and Police Observer interacted with AROs and Nodal Officers, sought updates on progress made in election-related duties. They also inquired about the measures being implemented to ensure smooth, fair and transparent election process in the constituency.
The meeting emphasized the importance of efficient coordination among all stakeholders involved in the election process to uphold the integrity of democratic exercise and ensure that voters can exercise their rights freely and without any hindrances.
LS Elections 2024: DEO Rajouri briefs political representatives about MCC
Rajouri: District Election Officer (DEO), Rajouri, Om Prakash Bhagat on Friday convened an important meeting with representatives from different political parties to brief them about Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
The objective of the meeting was to underscore the importance of adhering to highest ethical standards outlined in the MCC to be observed by all in Lok Sabha Elections 2024.
The meeting served as a platform to sensitize political parties about the imperative nature of upholding integrity, fairness, and transparency throughout the electoral process.
The discussions held during the meeting underscored the collective commitment of all political stakeholders towards fostering an environment characterized by ethical conduct, accountability, and respect for democratic principles as per ECI guidelines.
The DEO urged all political parties to refrain from criticizing any party based on unverified facts and cautioned against making personal comments or engaging in caste and communal politics.
Furthermore, the DEO also urged all political parties to intimate the venue and time of their meetings and rallies to the police and administration in advance. Additionally, the DEO asked the party representatives that polling agents should strictly adhere to the guidelines and refrain from entering the polling stations.
The District Election Officer reiterated the pivotal role of political parties in upholding the democratic ethos of the nation and emphasized the need for cooperation and adherence to the guidelines set forth in MCC. He urged all parties to conduct themselves with utmost integrity and responsibility, thereby setting a positive precedent for a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process.
The DEO expressed confidence in the cooperation in conduct of political parties to the guidelines outlined, thereby fostering conducive environment for the smooth conduct of the Lok Sabha Elections.
A detailed briefing was given regarding mandatory pre-certification as per MCMC norms as required by all political parties/ candidates for all issues of advertisements and paid news. The political representatives were asked to ensure that with MCMC certification no advertisement is allowed.
Officers who attended the meeting were ADC Rajeev Kumar Khajuria; ACR, Mohammad Jhangir Khan; Dy DEO, Shakeel Ahmed; DPO, Mohammad Nawaz Choudhary and DSWO, Wakeel Ahmed Bhatt besides representatives of political parties were also present.
LS Elections 2024: SVEEP awareness prog held at Madra-Tut-Touheed Thannamandi
Thanamandi: An awareness program under the aegis of Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program was on Friday held here at Madra-Tut-Touheed Thanamandi.
Led by Nodal Officer SVEEP Prof. Iqbal. Raina, the event was attended by Prof Manzoor Ahmed Dar, Prof. Khalid Rayaz and Mohammad Ayaz Raina, lecturer. The team visited Madrasa-Tut-Tiuheed Thannamandi to enlighten students and teachers about the importance of voting.
The attendees were provided insights into the election process. The event was organized as part of the SVEEP’s door-to-door campaign.
Later, the team engaged with the public at Jamia Masjid Thannamandi, underscoring the significance of adult franchise in democracy and urging maximum participation in the electoral process.
LS Elections 2024: SVEEP team spreads voters awareness across Banihal
Ramban: On the directions of District Election Officer (DEO), Ramban, Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, a series of awareness programs were held on Friday under Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation program (SVEEP) at different institutions and locations of the district.
Resource Persons and members of the district SVEEP Cell dispersed across key locations and institutions such as Doligam Banihal, Bus Stand Banihal and other adjoining areas, sensitized the gatherings about voting rights. They also engaged with devotees after Friday prayers in Banihal town.
Through comprehensive presentations, they elucidated the importance of inclusive voter participation in safeguarding democratic principles and fortifying the electoral framework.
The awareness programmes were conducted under the supervision of District Nodal Officer SVEEP, Mohammad Ashfaq Kanji.
The events, conducted in the Sub-division of Banihal, aimed to uplift citizens’ involvement in the electoral process, General election Lok Sabha, 2024 and cultivate a culture of civic responsibility.
The campaign emphasized the pivotal role of strong civic engagement in shaping the democratic landscape. The vibrant participation of youth, alongside members of the public and election personnel, underscored the collective commitment to fostering an informed electorate.
District Nodal Officer for SVEEP, played a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless execution of the programme. The unwavering dedication of SVEEP to its mission significantly contributed to the success of the initiative.
LS Elections 2024: Patnitop to Gauri Kund Spiritual Trek organised as part of SVEEP campaign
Udhampur: In a collaborative effort, Patnitop Development Authority, Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, District Administration, Udhampur and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University on Friday came together to organize Patnitop to Gauri Kund Spiritual Trek as part of the SVEEP campaign for forthcoming general elections.
The trek was flagged off by ADC Udhampur, Joginder Singh Jasrotia which traced an ancient pilgrimage route leading to Sudh Mahadev-Mantalai, prominent Shaivite centers and is steeped in natural wonders especially with the onset of spring.
Commencing from the Nag Temple, renowned for its construction using stones—a deviation from the prevalent use of Deodar wood in the region—the trek concluded at the Gauri Kund Temple, dedicated to Bhagwan Shiv and Mata Parvati. The participants relished traditional cuisines offered year-round in the temple’s bhandara.
Enthralled by picturesque vistas and enveloped in a mystical aura throughout the trek, more than fifty students from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, representing various districts of the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, expressed gratitude to the authorities for this endeavour. After the trek, the participants paid obeisance at Sudh Mahadev temple.
At Sudh Mahadev, the participants from SMVDU, who were mostly first time voters, were sensitized about the electoral process, the importance of exercising the right to vote, and rights and responsibilities of voters by Pankaj Singh Bhau, Tehsildar Chenani. Additionally, they were given hands-on experience of voting equipment like EVM and VVPAT. Students of Government Higher Secondary School Sudh Mahadev created placards, presented skits and dance, which was followed by Sangam Theatre group’s nukkad natak for voter awareness.
Devender Singh Bhau, CEO, PDA, said that beyond electoral processes, adventure, and spirituality, the event also underscored cleanliness, environmental consciousness, and the preservation of natural beauty that attracts travelers from far and wide. He added that the PDA staff, as part of ongoing PDA initiatives like ‘Clean Patnitop Green Patnitop’, ‘Carry the Trash Back’ and ‘Clean Mountains Save Future’, collected waste along the trail.
The students were accompanied by their faculty including Dr. Satish Kumar Tiwari, Krishna Pandey, Keshava Pandey, Balbir Singh, Karan Singh, and officials and staff from both PDA and District Administration Udhampur.
The trek was held under the event series, ‘Visit Patnitop,’ which was initiated by Patnitop Development Authority in September 2022 to showcase the all-encompassing beauty and the tourism potential of the Patnitop Tourism Circuit.
LS Elections 2024: Staff imparted training on handling of ETPBS at Kathua
Kathua: A comprehensive training program on handling of Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) was on Friday conducted for polling staff in the VC hall of the District Electoral Officer (DEO) here.
Led by Nodal Officer for ETBPS, Riaz Ahmed, the session provided detailed insights into the pivotal role and responsibilities of all stakeholders involved in facilitating smooth polling through the Postal Ballot system. The event particularly addressed individuals engaged in election duty and essential services, as designated by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Participation in the training was robust, with Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) representing all 18 assembly segments of the 4-Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency actively engaging in the discussions.
Key directives included the timely submission of the list of service voters by AROs to the respective DEOs of the constituent districts of the 4-Udhampur PC, ensuring meticulous compilation for onward submission to the Returning Officer.
Dr. Rakesh Minhas, Returning Officer for the 4-Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency, emphasized the importance of inclusivity, urging AROs to ensure that all eligible voters are informed and empowered to exercise their right to vote through the postal or Election Duty Certificate (EDC) preference channels outlined by the ECI.
Dr. Minhas highlighted the need to adhere to ECI guidelines in providing adequate provisions for voters aged 85 and above, underscoring the commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in the electoral process.
The training session was attended by Nodal Officer for ETBPS, Sideshwar Bhagat (DIO NIC Kathua), Nodal Officer Postal Ballot, Varun Chaudhary, Deputy DEO Nagesh Singh, and other stakeholders.
In addition to discussions on the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System, the training also delved into meticulous planning for election counting and Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) management, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of all facets of the electoral process.
LS Elections 2024: General, Police Observer chair high-level meeting on election preparedness in 4-Udhampur PC
Kathua : General Observer, 4- Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency (PC) Dheeraj Kumar, along with Police Observer, Daljeet Singh on Friday convened a meeting with district election officers, SSPs and AROs of 4 Udhampur PC here in the VC room of DC office complex.
Returning Officer, Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency, Dr Rakesh Minhas (District Election Officer Kathua); SSP Kathua, Shivdeep Singh Jamwal; ARO Hiranagar, ARO Kathua, ARO Jasrota, ADC Kathua attended the meeting.
DEO Udhampur, Saloni Rai; DEO Doda, Harvinder Singh; DEO Kishtwar, Devansh Yadav; DEO Ramban, Basheer-ul-Haq Chaudhary; SSP Udhampur Joginder Singh; SSP Doda Javid Iqbal and SSP Ramban Anuj Kumar joined the meeting virtually.
While taking first hand appraisal of the topography and demography from the concerned District Election Officers, the Observers discussed in length key aspects of the training, security and transport plans. They laid stress on devising a workable plan keeping in mind the local topographical constraints.
General Observer, Dheeraj Kumar underlined the role of sector Magistrates in handling exigencies especially related to EVMs malfunction or for any other reasons and adopting swift procedures to address the issues in real time basis. He called upon the need for visiting of polling stations by sector Magistrate before the polling dates to get them well versed with the locations.
Regarding the communication plan, the general observer opined that the dry run of all adopted communication channels in advance can help in making the plan robust and workable.
The meeting also deliberated the need of early preparedness in establishing minimum assured facilities in polling stations, mapping and deployment of polling staff and security personnels besides focusing on achieving timely enrolment of service voters so as to ensure they can cast their vote while discharging their duties.
Later, as part of ongoing SVEEP campaign, the Kathua Election Cell gets creative and in a ceremonial gesture, the Observers, Returning Officer, AROs and Nodal officers unveiled the attractive Voter Invitation Card inspired by the marriage cards to invite voters to participate in the celebration of democracy by casting their vote on April 19, 2024.
LS Elections 2024: Mehndi competition held under SVEEP campaign to promote voter awareness
Udhampur: As part of the ongoing Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) campaign, a vibrant Mehndi competition was organized for Anganwadi workers at the Anganwadi centre Panchayat, Rathian East, here on Friday.
The event aimed to foster voter awareness with slogans like “Let Us Vote and Let Us Build Our Nation”, was held under the guidance of District Election Officer Udhampur, Saloni Rai.
A multitude of enthusiastic female Anganwadi workers participated, showcasing their artistic prowess by adorning their hands with intricate designs and empowering messages. The competition served as a platform to urge women to exercise their voting rights in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2024. Participants infused their Mehendi designs with symbols representing electoral participation, civic duty, and democratic principles, enhancing both the aesthetic and the message of the event.