Kathua: District Election Officer Kathua, Dr.RakeshMinhason Thursday oversaw the first phase of randomization process of polling staff to be deployed in 701 polling stations during the upcoming Parliamentary Elections-2024 in the district.
The randomisation process took place on Thursday at the conference hall of the DC office complex, with key officials and stakeholders in attendance.
The randomization process was conducted as per the prescribed guidelines of ECI ensuring fairness and impartiality in the selection of polling staff.
ARO-67 Kathua, ARO-68 Hiranagar, Nodal Officer MCC, Law and Order, Single Window, Nodal Officer Training, Nodal Officer HR/Manpower, Welfare of Polling Staff, Nodal Officer ETPBS, Nodal Officer Communication Plan, and Deputy DEO Kathua were present on the occasion.
DEO Poonch convenes meeting with representatives of political parties
Poonch: In preparation for the upcoming General Election to Lok Sabha-2024, District Election Officer Poonch, Yasin M. Choudharyon Thursday convened a meeting with representatives of political parties of the district.
The meeting was aimed to address various important aspects related to the election process.
During the discussion, District Election Officer stressed that any political leader or party member intending to hold a meeting must seek permission from the district administration. Similarly, he highlighted the requirement for political parties to obtain permission from the MCMC for the display of hoardings or banners as part of their political campaigns.
The DEO reiterated the pivotal role of political parties in upholding the democratic ethos of the nation and emphasized the need for cooperation and strict adherence to the guidelines set forth in the Model Code of Conduct by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The DEO urged all political parties to exhibit the highest levels of integrity and responsibility, setting a positive precedence for a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process.
The meeting was attended by SSP YoagalManhas; ADC Tahir Mustafa Malik; Deputy DEO Saleem Ahmed; ACR QaderurRehman; DIO VishaldeepChandan and other district/sectoral officers along with the presidents and representatives of political parties.
Distt Admin Udhampur organizes SVEEP campaign for elderly voters
Udhampur: An awareness programme, a vital component of the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) campaign was organized by the District Administration Udhampur, under the supervision of District Election Officer, Udhampur SaloniRai, and Deputy District Election Officer, Dr.AnirudhRai at Old Age Home here.
Dr Preeti Sharma, District Panchayat Officer, and the designated Nodal Officer of SVEEP, sensitized the elderly residents, emphasizing that elections embody a celebration of democracy, offering citizens the invaluable opportunity to shape the governance of their nation. She underscored the imperative role of active participation in the electoral process for fostering the growth and development of the nation. She reiterated the event’s aim to raise awareness among the elderly about the electoral process and the significance of casting their votes in a democracy.
It is pertinent to mention here that District Administration Udhampur orchestrated a series of meticulously planned programs and events across the district, spanning sub-divisions Ramnagar, Chenani, and Dudu, as part of the comprehensive SVEEP Program.
Distt Admin Kishtwar organises training session on distribution, utilisation of postal ballots
Kishtwar: District Election Office Kishtwar, led by District Election Officer, Dr.DevanshYadavon Thursday organised a pivotal training session at conference hall of DC Office Complex here for the upcoming General LokSabha Elections 2024.
The session focused on efficient distribution and utilisation of postal ballots to ensure smooth electoral conduct.
The training session was attended by Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) from all three Constituent Assemblies of Kishtwar district, along with Booth Level Officers and Supervisors, who were briefed about the importance of enabling voting rights for senior citizens aged above 85 years and Persons with Disabilities (PwD).
Master Trainer, Riyaz Ahmed Butt explained the procedures for distributing and filling postal ballots, emphasising inclusivity and accessibility in the electoral process.
Postal ballots play a crucial role in enabling eligible voters, especially those unable to visit polling stations in person, to participate in elections. This mechanism aids individuals facing mobility challenges, those away from their home constituencies and those engaged in essential services on Election Day.
During the session, Supervisors and BLOs were provided with Form 12-D, a crucial document for the postal ballot process. They were tasked with ensuring seamless distribution of postal ballots to eligible elderly and differently-abled voters.
It was reiterated that individuals aged 85 years and above, as well as those with over 40% disability, are eligible to exercise their voting rights through postal ballots in the forthcoming LokSabha election scheduled for April 19.
BLOs were further instructed to distribute the requisite forms to elderly and differently-abled individuals who prefer to cast their votes from their residences, ensuring their active participation in the democratic process.
GDC Marh organises SVEEP Prog
Jammu: Government Degree College (GDC), Marhon Thursday organized Systematic Voter’s Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) awareness programme to create voter awareness and promote voter literacy among students as well as other stakeholders.
During the programme, Principal, Prof. Rakesh Kumar Koul interacted with the students and briefed them about SVEEP, a flagship programme of Election Commission of India for Voter’s education, spreading voter awareness and promoting voters literacy in India.
SDM Marh, Manu Hansa and SVEEP Nodal Officer, Shalini Gupta also interacted with the students and faculty and appreciated the efforts of college for organising SVEEP programme.
Speaking on the occasion, SDM Marh said that the vision of SVEEP is to enlighten, enable and empower every citizen to register as a voter and cast his or her vote at every election in an informed and ethical manner.
Distt Admin Kathua establishes eco-friendly polling station
Kathua: District Election Office, Kathua, spearheaded by District Electoral Officer, Dr.RakeshMinhas, on Thursday organised SVEEP event in collaboration with forest department here.
During the event, an eco-friendly polling station was inaugurated in the border sub-division Hiranagar of district, ahead of the LokSabha Elections 2024, aligning with the SVEEP objective of sensitising voters about eco-friendly measures and encouraging them to exercise their right to vote.
The green polling booth situated near the Indo-Pak international border at Government Higher Secondary School, Chakda, showcases a blend of natural elements and eco-friendly materials.
Divisional Forest Officer, Social Forestry Kathua, Ashok Kalsi, highlighted the features of the eco-friendly polling station, ensuring a green and sustainable polling environment for upcoming polls.
The eco-friendly green model polling station aims to attract voters and ensure maximum electoral participation while promoting eco-friendly practices among voters and polling officials.
This initiative encourages voters to exercise their right to vote while adopting innovative eco-friendly measures, contributing to a litter-free electoral process and underlining efforts toward environmental safety on International Day of Forests.
Various ornamental and fruit saplings were distributed among participants followed by a plantation drive at GHSS Chakda.
The Kathua district administration urges stakeholders and citizens to visit and experience the eco-friendly green model polling station, promoting a collective commitment to sustainable practices and responsible citizenship.
Expenditure Observer visits Doda, inspects election office, MCMC, media cell
Doda: Expenditure Observer, SatyanarayanaRajuBhupathion Thursday visited Doda district and inspected election office, MCMC and media cell to ensure compliance with election expenditure regulations for the upcoming LokSabha elections 2024.
During the inspection, the Expenditure Observer reviewed expense records, verified expenditure authenticity and ensured adherence to election laws by the election office, MCMC and media cell.
He also held interactions with staff members to understand their operations and verify compliance with Election Commission guidelines.
The Expenditure Observer was accompanied by District Election Officer, Doda, Harvinder Singh, Deputy District Election Officer Doda, Om Parkash and others.
Expenditure Observer reviews election preparedness at Kishtwar
Kishtwar: Expenditure Observer for 04-Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency, SatyanarayanaRajuBhupathion Thursday chaired a meeting here to ensure smooth conduct of Parliamentary Elections 2024.
The meeting facilitated interaction among Nodal Officers overseeing election expenditure monitoring across Kishtwar district of the 4-Udhampur parliamentary constituency.
During the meeting, NLTM, ECI, Riaz Ahmed Butt alongside District Election Officer, Kishtwar, Dr.DevanshYadav, provided a detailed briefing on preparations and teams assembled to monitor Model Code of Conduct compliance and candidate expenditures.
The Expenditure Observer reviewed preparations and team statuses on assembly constituency-wise basis, stressing the importance of maintaining proper records and adhering to ECI guidelines for expenditure tracking.
Highlighting the importance of coordination among teams for effective expenditure oversight, the Observer urged nodal officers to document any MCC violations promptly.
Expressing satisfaction with election preparations in Kishtwar district, the Expenditure Observer emphasised integrity in duty delivery and collective responsibility for ensuring free and fair elections.
DEO Kishtwar affirmed the District Election Authorities’ commitment to ensuring free, fair and smooth conduct.
The meeting among others was attended by SSP Kishtwar Abdul Qayoom; AROs, Nodal Officers of various teams, CAO, DTO Kishtwar, Executive Magistrates and other officials.
