Bandipora: The District Election Officer (DEO) Manzoor Ahmad Qadri on Thursday visited the strong room and counting centre established for the 15-Bandipora Assembly Constituency at Degree College Bandipora to ensure all arrangements are in place for the forthcoming Assembly elections.
During the visit, DEO M. A. Qadri conducted a detailed assessment of the facilities at the strong room and reviewed the management procedures for the counting process.
The DEO emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards of security and efficiency in the handling of electoral materials, ensuring a transparent and smooth electoral process besides providing a secure and well-organized environment for the counting of votes to uphold the democratic process.
M. A. Qadri also highlighted the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in preparing for the elections and emphasized ensuring that every detail is meticulously managed.
Earlier, the Executive Engineer R&B briefed the DEO on the arrangements and preparations made to support the electoral process including infrastructure readiness and logistical support to ensure a smooth and orderly counting process.
DEO Pulwama Extensively Tours Distribution Cum Receipt Centres Across Four Assembly Constituencies
Pulwama: District Election Officer (DEO) Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom, conducted extensive visits to the Distribution cum Receipt Centres across the four Assembly Constituencies on Thursday.
The centres he visited include Government Degree College Boys, Pulwama for AC-Pulwama, Government Degree College for Women, Pulwama for AC-Rajpora, EDI Pampore for AC-Pampore and ITI Tral for AC-Tral.
The visits were in connection with the commencement of the commissioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) on an Assembly Constituency-wise basis.
During his visits, the DEO directed the Returning Officers (ROs) of all four constituencies to ensure that the Presiding Officer Handbooks are distributed during the training sessions for all Presiding Officers.
The step aims to enhance the knowledge and preparedness of the polling staff in line with the guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Dr. Qayoom also interacted with candidates and their representatives and political parties and their representatives and engineers deputed by the ECI to oversee the commissioning of the EVMs and VVPATs.
He emphasized the need for strict adherence to the guidelines of the Election Commission in both letter and spirit and reiterated the importance of following the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
The DEO further inspected the counting hall at Government Degree College for Women, Pulwama ensuring that all necessary preparations are in place for the upcoming elections.
J&K Assembly Polls: DEO reviews Security measures in Kishtwar
Kishtwar: District Election Officer (DEO) (District Magistrate) Kishtwar Rajesh Kumar Shavan on Wednesday chaired a crucial meeting with Police & CAPF Commandants to review the security plan/measures taken for the smooth conduct of Assembly Elections in the district.
The meeting was attended by the Senior Superintendent of Police Abdul Qayoom, all Commandants/Dy Commandants of the ITBP, CRPF, SSB and Nodal Officers deployed on election duty.
The discussions emphasized coordinated strategies for maintaining law and order, ensuring incident-free elections in the district.The deliberations underscored the importance of synergy among security forces to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections in a free, fair and secure manner.
The officers and officials of Police, paramilitary forces, Election Department delivered a detailed presentation on the current security environment, law enforcement readiness, and election preparedness during ongoing the Assembly elections in the district.
The DEO stressed the importance of robust security arrangements in and around roads and security of critical Polling areas within the district, such as Dachhan, Marwah, Warwan, Kuntwara and Bonjwah etc, ensuring high-level checking with minimal inconvenience to commuters. He also emphasized the need for additional focus on Critical polling stations.
The DM highlighted the enforcement of effective communication Plan, besides coordination among various agencies.
A brief Orientation Session of ECI guidelines pertaining to the Police and CAPF was also held.
The DM highlighted the importance of joint efforts between police and sector officers, during the election period. He advised them to make frequent visits to sensitive areas, to restore the confidence of the electors for a free, fair and secure election environment, treating it like a moment of festivity.
The work of Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs)/Flying Surveillance Teams (FSTs), checkpoints was also discussed in the meeting.
J&K Assembly Polls: DEO Flags off Voter Awareness Rally on Teachers Day
DEO Also Pays Tributes To Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Poonch: On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, educators in Poonch district celebrated the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan with a unique voter awareness Rally.
The initiative, aimed at encouraging voter participation in the upcoming Assembly elections, was a befitting tribute to the former President, philosopher, and educator, who was born on this day in 1888.
The rally organised under SVEEP was formally flagged off by District Election Officer (DEO) Vikas Kundal in presence of Chief Education Officer Lal Hussain, from Girls Higher Secondary School Poonch. Hundreds of teachers participated, carrying banners emblazoned with slogans that emphasized the vital role of voting in strengthening democracy. The march, which passed through the main roads and streets of Poonch, concluded at the District Institute of Education and Trainings (DIET) Poonch.
Speaking at the event, DEO Vikas Kundal said, “Teachers are one of the most important components of our society, and on this day, when we honour teachers across the nation, it is inspiring to see them stepping out for democracy. Today, teachers have led the way, and now it is the responsibility of all sections of society to follow. Everyone should come out and vote in the upcoming Assembly elections to strengthen our democratic fabric.”
Dr Radhakrishnan, renowned for his belief in education as the foundation of a strong democracy, is honoured annually on September 5. This year, teachers across the Poonch district extended their role beyond the classroom, using the occasion to mobilize citizens and underscore the importance of casting their vote.
The rally underscored the broader role of educators in shaping not only the minds of future generations but also in nurturing an informed and active electorate. Teachers, often seen as the pillars of society, took up the mantle of civic duty, reminding the public that voting is both a right and a responsibility. Their efforts highlighted the idea that a vibrant democracy requires the active participation of every citizen, a principle advocated by Dr. Radhakrishnan throughout his life.
The rally was attended by Deputy District Election Officer Poonch, Saleem Ahmed, ZEPO Poonch Vijay Kumar, and Officials from District election authorities.
J&K Assembly Polls: 2nd Phase election training held across 5 Assembly Constituencies of Distt Rajouri
Rajouri: The second round of election training session was successfully conducted on Thursday across all 5 Assembly Constituencies (ACs) of District Rajouri, focusing on preparations for the upcoming Assembly Elections.
The training programs, organized at Government Degree College (GDC) Kalakote for AC 83 Kalakote-Sunderbani, GDC Nowshera for AC 84, GDC Rajouri for AC 85, Dak Bunglow Koteranka for AC 86 Budhal, and GDC Thanamandi for AC 87, were facilitated by dedicated teams of District Level Master Trainers (DLMTs) and Assembly Level Master Trainers (ALMTs). The sessions, coordinated by Dr. Naseem Ahmed, Associate Professor and Nodal Officer for Election Training, aimed to equip employees from various departments with the essential knowledge and operational skills necessary for effective election management.
To ensure comprehensive coverage, the training sessions were held both in the morning and evening, accommodating the schedules of all participants. A significant portion of the training focused on the operation and management of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs). Trainees were guided through detailed PowerPoint presentations and hands-on practice sessions, enabling them to gain confidence in handling these machines under various scenarios.
The DLMTs and ALMTs also provided briefings on the election process and emphasized the importance of adhering to guidelines and protocols essential for maintaining the secrecy, integrity, and transparency of the election process. This focus is vital in upholding public trust in the democratic system.
DLMTs included Shamim Ahmed, Altaf Javaid (Senior Lecturer), and Mohd Qasim (Senior Lecturer).
The ALMTs, including Anit Khajuria, Kapil Dev Sharma, Devinder Kumar Khajuria, Prabinder Kumar Sharma, Rajesh Khokhar, Harmeet Singh, Rohit Kumar, Abdul Shakoor, Abdul Razia Malik, Sushil Sharma, Zafar Iqbal Rather, and Yassir Bashir, ensured that the employees received comprehensive and practical instruction throughout the sessions.
A total of 3,751 employees attended the training sessions across the district in all five Assembly Constituencies.
These training sessions mark a significant step in ensuring that all election officials are well-prepared to conduct the upcoming Assembly Elections smoothly and effectively.
Facility fully equipped to provide relevant info to Voters, track down Election violations 24×7: DEO Kathua
Integrated Election Control Room, MCMC, Media Centre established in Kathua
Kathua: In preparation to the upcoming General Elections to the Legislative Assembly 2024, the District Election Cell Kathua has established an Integrated Election Control Room, Media Certification & Monitoring Committee (MCMC), and a fully functional Media Centre here in the DC/DEO Office.
The facilities, in line with the Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines, aim to ensure a smooth, transparent, and fair electoral process.
The MCMC has been set up to monitor paid news and pre-certify political advertisements across various media platforms, including TV, radio, cinema halls, the internet, social media, and e-papers. This body will ensure that all political advertisements comply with ECI standards before being broadcast or published. An official email address, [email protected], has been designated for communication and certification purposes.
In addition to monitoring advertisements, the Media Centre is tasked with providing real-time election-related information to the public, media, political parties, and other stakeholders. This ensures that all developments during the election process are effectively communicated and accessible.
The 24×7-Integrated Election Control Room has been equipped to respond to inquiries and provide support to the stakeholders during the election period. It is designed to manage different aspects of the election process and respond to queries. The public can reach the control room through the numbers 1950, +91 1922232300, and +91 1922313728.
Speaking on the arrangements, The District Election Officer (DEO) Dr. Rakesh Minhas, stated that these initiatives, in accordance with ECI guidelines, are crucial in maintaining a free, fair, and transparent electoral process. He emphasized the importance of real-time information dissemination and monitoring media content to ensure a level playing field for all political stakeholders.
Dr. Minhas also conducted a detailed visit to the facilities to ensure their readiness and efficiency. He asked all nodal officers and staff involved in election duties to work with dedication and in coordination to uphold the integrity of the elections.
J&K Assembly Polls: DEO inspects Polling Stations in Bhalla Tehsil
Doda: District Election Officer (DEO), Doda, Harvinder Singh on Thursday conducted a thorough inspection of polling stations at Gajoth and the adjoining areas of Bhalla Tehsil Thursday.
The visit was aimed at reviewing the preparedness for the upcoming Assembly Election-2024.
During the inspection, the DEO emphasized the importance of providing voters with accessible and safe polling facilities. He directed the Chief Education Officer (CEO) Doda to expedite the necessary repairs and maintenance of polling stations located in various schools across the district. The repairs are to be completed at the earliest to ensure that the polling infrastructure is in optimal condition ahead of the elections -2024.
The DEO urged all stakeholders to work in coordination to address any issues related to polling stations and ensure the successful conduct of elections.
DEO reviews operational efficiency of Surveillance Teams
Kathua: District Election Officer Dr. Rakesh Minhas on Thursday chaired a crucial meeting in the Conference Hall of the DC Office Complex to strengthen the operational efficiency of the Static Surveillance Teams (SST), Flying Surveillance Teams (FST), and Video Surveillance Teams (VST) in preparation for the upcoming Assembly elections.
The primary focus of the meeting was to reaffirm adherence to the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) guidelines for monitoring election activities and enforcing the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Dr. Minhas emphasized the pivotal role of the SST in ensuring the elections are conducted in a transparent and impartial manner.
Dr. Minhas outlined that the SST serves as the crucial frontline in maintaining electoral integrity, tasked with detecting and preventing any financial or material irregularities that could undermine the election process. He stressed the need for comprehensive vehicle inspections and meticulous scrutiny to deter any potential breaches.
It was given out that no person is allowed to carry cash beyond the ceiling limit of Rs 50000/- except where there is proper receipt/evidence of the Cash with the holder.
The DEO instructed the teams to seize any suspicious cash, illicit alcohol or excise-controlled substances and unaccounted materials found during inspections to prevent their undue influence on the election. He underscored the necessity for SST members to be well-versed in the monitoring and enforcement protocols to ensure strict compliance with the MCC.
Dr. Minhas also highlighted the broader responsibilities of the SST, which extend beyond vehicle inspections to include a wide range of surveillance activities aimed at identifying and addressing potential violations of the MCC.
The DEO reiterated the importance of professionalism, vigilance, and thoroughness among the team members. He assured that the district administration is committed to providing full support and resources throughout the election period and addressing any issues that may arise.
The DEO focused on collaboration and adherence to ECI guidelines reflecting the administration’s commitment to conducting elections in Kathua that are free, fair and uphold democratic values.
EVM Viewing Control Room established at Shopian
Political parties/ contesting candidates asked to depute agents for monitoring of EVM Strong rooms
Shopian: The District Election Office, Shopian on Thursday established EVM Viewing Control Room at Shopian in order to facilitate political parties and contesting candidates to view and monitor EVM Strong Roo
The Control Room has been established in Room No.231/B2, located at second Floor, at Mini Secretariat Shopian and is managed by dedicated staff, who assist in keeping close watch over the strong rooms, round the clock through two AV Displays.
The EVM Strong Room is under surveillance of CCTVs with 360% view. The political parties and contesting candidates have been requested to depute their recognised agents to the Control Room for viewing and monitoring the EVM Strong Roo
B’pora Admin conducts comprehensive Training for P2s & P3s
Bandipora: The District Election Office Bandipora on Thursday conducted a training programme at the Mini Secretariat for P2s and P3s assigned for the upcoming Assembly Elections 2024.
The training programme was designed to equip the officials with the essential skills and knowledge required for their duties.
The programme was attended by P2s and P3s who were selected following the first randomization process, underscoring the commitment to a well-organized and efficient election process.
The training covered a range of topics, including electoral procedures, handling of election materials, and management of polling stations.
Later, an interactive session was also held besides practical simulations to provide hands-on experience and enhance the preparedness of officials and to ensure that poll personnel are confident and capable in their roles.
