Jammu: The training of General and Expenditure Observers deployed for DDC Elections, Panchayat By-Elections and Municipal By-Elections 2020 was held here Thursday at Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Nirvachan Bhawan.
The officers from Kashmir Division attended the training through virtual mode from Srinagar CEO Office.
The State Election Commissioner, K.K. Sharma and Chief Electoral Officer, J&K Hirdesh Kumar gave a detailed briefing to the participants about their duties and responsibilities in the elections. Training to the officers was also imparted through power point presentation.
The State Election Commissioner, J&K instructed all the observers to be vigilant and sensitized them about their role and responsibility.
“You the eyes and ears of the State Election Commission and are responsible for the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections,” the SEC told the participants.
While briefing them, the SEC informed that DDC Elections and Panchayat By-Elections are being conducted through Ballot Box and Municipal Elections on EV
The Chief Electoral Officer, J&K also briefed and reminded the officers about their role and responsibility and sought their full cooperation in the conduct of smooth elections right from filing of nomination papers to counting of the votes.
The CEO also apprised the officers to be alert and non partial while performing their duties. He further informed that besides Kashmiri migrants, the Postal Ballot facility is also being extended to old aged persons with 80 or above years of age, COVID patients/suspected positive cases in quarantine centres, etc. The polling hours will be from 7.00 AM to 2.00 PM and counting will be on the same day for Panchayat By-Election 2020, while counting to DDC Elections and Municipal Bodies Elections will be held at designated counting centres in the district headquarter.
He said precautions as per covid protocol would be taken at all polling stations including making provision of face masks, sanitizers, gloves, thermal scanning etc.
The State Election Commissioner advised the officers to comply with the model code of conduct in letter and spirit.
Meanwhile, the General and expenditure observers were asked to submit the relevant reports to the Election Authority as and when asked. The observers, officers of the CEO office also attended the briefing.
