Poonch: District Election Officer (DEO) PoonchVikasKundal on Wednesday conducted a thorough review of the preparation and security arrangements for very sensitive, sensitive and hypersensitive polling stations in the three constituencies of the district. The meeting was attended by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Surankote, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Mendhar, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DYSP) Headquarters, and other key district officers.
The primary focus of the meeting was to finalize adequate security measures and operational plans for these high-risk polling stations. Officials discussed the specific security needs of each location, addressing potential risks and establishing protocols to maintain law and order during the elections.
Additionally, the meeting finalized a comprehensive communication plan designed to facilitate effective coordination among all involved agencies. This plan will ensure timely dissemination of information, rapid response to any issues, and efficient management of resources during the election period.
The DEO emphasized the critical importance of meticulous preparation and inter-agency collaboration to uphold the integrity and safety of the election process. He called upon all participants to remain vigilant and proactive to ensure a peaceful and successful electoral event in the district.
Female employees imparted specialized training for Pink Booths in Poonch
Poonch : In a significant step towards empowering women in the electoral process, District Election Office PoonchVikasKundal organized a dedicated training session for female staff appointed to manage Pink Booths. The training, held in the auditorium of Degree College Poonch, is part of preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the session, the District Election Officer emphasized the vital role of Pink Booths in fostering greater female participation in the democratic process. These booths, staffed entirely by women, are designed to provide a comfortable and secure voting environment for female voters. The trained employees will be deployed across the three Assembly constituencies in Poonch District, ensuring that these booths operate smoothly and efficiently on Election Day.
A key focus of the training was on making the polling stations more women-friendly which includes creating a welcoming and secure environment, ensuring privacy, and addressing any specific need which female voters might have. The DEO highlighted the importance of these measures for boosting female voter turnout and empowering women to actively participate in the electoral process.
The session covered various aspects of election management, including voter verification, EVM handling, and maintaining transparency and impartiality.
The DEO encouraged the participants to adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and be always vigilant in upholding electoral nor The training concluded with an interactive Q&A, allowing participants to clarify their doubts and discuss potential challenges.
DM Poonch convenes NCORD Committee meeting
Poonch: District Magistrate PoonchVikasKundal chaired the Narco Coordination (NCORD) Committee meeting here Wednesday in his Office, focusing actions to combat drug abuse in the District.
Discussions centred on key issues such as the incidence of drug addiction, vulnerable age groups, drug use hotspots, and the illegal cultivation of poppy and cannabis. Reports were presented by committee members on efforts to control drug addiction and trafficking within the district.
District Magistrate issued directives to intensify anti-drug efforts, including the formation of Anti-Drug Clubs in all Degree/Polytechnic Colleges, Higher Secondary, and High Schools, and the creation of Village/Mohalla Committees to identify and report drug addicts and peddlers.
The meeting was attended by ADC Poonch, Tahir Mustafa Malik, SDMs of Mendhar and Surankote, Chief Education Officer Poonch, LalHussain, Chief Agriculture Officer, Rakesh Sharma, DFO and other officers.
DC Udhampur chairs NCORD meeting
Udhampur: Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, SaloniRai, Wednesday chaired a meeting of the District Level Committee under the Narco Coordination NCORD mechanism to review and strengthen the measures in place to combat drug abuse in the district.
The meeting was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police, Amod Ashok Nagpure, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Prem Singh, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Dr.Umesh Shan, Assistant Commissioner Development, Dr Ranjeet Singh Kotwal along with other senior officers from various line departments.
A threadbare discussion was held on surveillance of educational institutions, the implementation of awareness programmes, Nasha Mukt Panchayats and identification of hotspots of drug abuse. Detailed deliberations were held on the measures currently being undertaken within the district.
Voter sensitisation prog organised for students at GDC Basohli
Kathua : In anticipation to the upcoming General Elections in Jammu and Kashmir, a Voter Awareness Programme was organized on Wednesday here in the Smart Classroom of Government Degree College Basohli.
The event was part of the Election Commission of India’s flagship initiative, the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program.
The program began with a welcome address by AC Nodal Officer SVEEP 65-Basohli Dr.RoshanLal. He welcomed student participants, college staff, BLO supervisors, BLOs from nearby polling booths, and community voters attending the event. He highlighted the vision and strategies of the SVEEP program aimed at increasing voter turnout in the upcoming Assembly Elections. He also emphasized the role of both print and electronic media in promoting voter awareness at the grassroots level. The primary objective of the event was to engage and encourage young voters, particularly first-time voters, to participate in the electoral process in record numbers, contributing to India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Following the welcome address, TehsildarBasohli, SagarVishavkarma, addressed the gathering. He spoke about the crucial role students play in educating the public about ethical and informed voting. He urged the students to act as ambassadors of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and to reach out to every eligible voter, ensuring that no one is left behind. Vishavkarma also appealed to voters for maximum participation on polling day, stressing the significance of every single vote in determining election outcomes.
On the occasion, a documentary on voter awareness, titled “Mein Bharat Hun… Bharat HaiMujh Mein,” was also shown to the participants.
The program concluded with a pledge-taking ceremony, where all attendees committed to participating in the electoral process responsibly.
Brainstorming session held to promote voter awareness in Hiranagar AC
Kathua : Election Authorities on Wednesday organised a brainstorming session with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) here in the Hiranagar Assembly constituency.
Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) HiranagarShreya Sharma chaired the session, where BLOs shared and discussed innovative ideas and strategic plans aimed at significantly increasing voter participation in upcoming elections. The BLOs assured to take actionable steps to engage and motivate the electorate.
To reaffirm their commitment towards the democratic process, the BLOs, under the guidance of the AERO, took a solemn pledge. They reiterated to uphold the democratic traditions of India and ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election.
SVEEP Campaign: Cultural activities engage students across Doda Distt
Doda: The Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) Program team has adopted an innovative approach to promote electoral awareness among school students in Doda District. Cultural activities are being organised across the district, engaging young minds and encouraging them to participate in the democratic process.
The SVEEP awareness programs are being held in Doda District, under the guidance of District Election Officer Harvinder Singh and under overall supervision of Chief Education Officer ParkashLalThapa who is also a Nodal Officer SVEEP.
The events featured a series of cultural performances, including songs, dances, skits, quiz and debates, all focusing on the theme of electoral participation and civic engagement.
Students of different schools are enthusiastically participating in the activities, showcasing their talent and creativity, while learning about the importance of voting and democratic processes.
The SVEEP campaign aims to empower young citizens to become informed and active participants in the electoral process. By engaging students in cultural activities, the campaign seeks to promote electoral literacy, encourage critical thinking, and foster a sense of civic responsibility.
The SVEEP campaign’s cultural activities have received an overwhelming response from students and teachers alike, and are expected to make a significant impact on electoral awareness and civic engagement in the District.
Election Redressal Cell established at PWD Dak Bungalow Doda
Doda: The General Observer AdityaNegi, for AC-52 Doda, and AC-53 Doda West, is holding election redressal sessions for 3 days week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at PWD Dak Bungalow, Doda, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.
Voters with complaints or grievances related to the upcoming-2024 elections can visit the PWD Dak Bungalow, Doda, during the scheduled hours to have their issues addressed.
