Election Observers convene meeting, review Poll Preparedness at Pulwama
Observers Inspect Counting Halls, Strong Rooms at GDC for Women, Pulwama
Pulwama : A comprehensive review meeting on poll preparedness for the upcoming General Elections to the Legislative Assembly 2024 was held on Thursday at Circuit House Pulwama.
The meeting was attended by General Observers; Manoj Kumar, VadarevuVinay Chand, BrajeshNarain Singh, KhartadeSudamaRao; Police Observer, Akhliesh Kumar and Expenditure Observer, Srikanth N.
The District Election Officer, PulwamaDrBasharatQayoom provided a detailed briefing to the observers through a PowerPoint presentation, covering various aspects critical to the successful conduct of the elections.
The presentation included an overview of the AC-wise electorate information, projected population, EPIC details and polling stations including special polling stations, details of the EVMs, human resource management, designated sectors, strong room, counting hall and facilitation centers besides transport and medical plans, SVEEP programs, social media strategy and training centers.
SSPs provided the details of law and order maintenance and the security grid covering Police Districts Pulwama and Awantipora, as per the guidelines set by the Election Commission of India.
Observers emphasized the importance of a proper election management plan, including the provision of necessary facilities at every polling station as mandated by ECI, in the form of Assured Minimum Facilities. Observers also stressed the need to ensure that every voter is facilitated appropriately, with booth level facilitation counters in place.
General Observers highlighted the importance of avoiding communication blackouts and ensuring that all facilities are accessible to the public. They reiterated the Election Commission’s commitment to free, fair and transparent elections and emphasized the need for ground-level implementation of all electoral processes to encourage public participation.
Returning Officers presented updates on the electoral process, polling arrangements for PWD and migrant voters and the transport plan. Detailed discussions were also held regarding the management of EVMs and VVPATs.
The Nodal Officer for Training outlined the schedule and structure of training sessions, including the 2nd randomization process, upcoming micro-observer training and the implementation of mock polls as directed by the Election Commission of India. It was emphasized that all polling personnel must carry identity cards and that CCTV monitoring and webcasting would be conducted, with strict regulations to ensure free and fair elections.
The Expenditure Nodal Officer provided insights into the election monitoring system, including the roles assigned to the SST teams, 12 designated Nakas, Flying Squads (FST), Video Surveillance(VST) and Viewing Teams (VVT), accounting teams and the expenditure monitoring cell. The District Grievance Committee and District Election Control Room along with the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) were also discussed in detail.
The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on ensuring that all plans are executed meticulously to facilitate a smooth electoral process in accordance with the guidelines of the Election Commission of India.
Later, the Observers conducted a detailed inspection of the Counting Halls and Strong Rooms at the Government Degree College for Women, Pulwama.
During the visit, the Observers assessed the readiness of the facility and provided necessary guidelines and instructions to ensure that the Strong Room and Counting Hall are fully prepared for the electoral process. The Observers emphasized the importance of adhering to the highest standards of transparency and security in the arrangement of the Counting Hall.
The Observers also directed that all necessary arrangements for electricity, communication and other logistical support be ensured as per standard guidelines of ECI for a smooth counting process.
General Observer for Tral constituency holds meeting with Distt Admin
Observer reviews preparations for the forthcoming Assembly Elections
Pulwama : The General Observer for the 33-Tral Assembly Constituency (AC), BrajeshNarain Singh on Saturday held a comprehensive meeting with the District Administration to meticulously oversee the preparations for the forthcoming assembly elections.
In the aftermath of the meeting, the Observer conducted a thorough inspection of the strong room arrangements and undertook an unannounced visit to the training center at Government Degree College, Pulwama.
With a focus on the pivotal role of democracy, the Observer underscored the significance of educating the public on the election process.
Furthermore, the Observer urged that all grievances registered on the cVIGIL platform be resolved with utmost urgency, ensuring a transparent and fair electoral process.
General Observer Zainapora AC visits polling stations, reviews AMF
BLOs asked to focus on maximum Voter engagement
Shopian: The General Observer for the Zainapora Assembly Constituency, JeevanBabu K Thursday conducted an extensive inspection of various polling stations across the constituency.
The inspection aimed to assess the preparedness and provision of assured minimum facilities (AMFs) at these locations in anticipation of the upcoming elections.
The Observer visited polling stations at Trenz, Pahnoo, Turkawagam, Heff, and Sugan, where he thoroughly examined the AMFs available, including electricity, water supply, ramps, toilets, seating arrangement and sanitation kept in place to facilitate accessible and inclusive elections.
He emphasized the need for polling stations to be accessible, particularly for women, elderly voters, and persons with special abilities, ensuring that no one is left behind in the electoral process.
During his visit, the General Observer interacted with Booth Level Officers (BLOs), and impressed upon them to actively motivate and encourage the local community to participate in the upcoming elections, stressing the importance of voter engagement for the democratic process.
JeevanBabu K also underscored the necessity of conducting robust Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) activities to raise awareness and boost voter turnout. He called for intensified efforts in this regard, urging the concerned officials to leave no stone unturned in their outreach to the electorate.
In addition, the General Observer issued strict instructions to magistrates to prevent the circulation of illegal cash, liquor, and drugs, which could potentially disrupt the smooth conduct of the elections.
He highlighted the importance of vigilance, particularly at district entry points and other critical locations.
The inspection concluded with the General Observer reaffirming his commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and transparent election process in the Zainapora constituency.
General Observer for 34-Pulwama AC to meet stakeholders at Circuit House, Pulwama
Says “Shall remain available on Monday, Wednesday, Friday between 10:00 A.M to 12:00 noon’
Shopian: Election Commission of India has appointed Manoj Kumar, as General Observer for 34- Pulwama Assembly Constituency of District Pulwama in view of the General Elections to Legislative Assembly.
In order to ensure transparent conduct of elections, the General Observer shall remain available at Circuit House, Pulwama to meet stakeholders on election related matters between 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
In this context, all stakeholders can meet the observer regarding any query or complaint related to elections during the said time frame. They can also approach the General Observer on contact No 9906594453 from 30-08-2024 till completion of election.
Expenditure Observer for Reasi reviews election preparedness in Katra
Reasi: Expenditure Observer for ReasiDrNidhiKhera on Thursday held an introductory meeting with District Election Authorities and reviewed expenditure monitoring mechanism put in place for ensuing Assembly Elections.
Chairing a meeting, she was briefed about steps taken by the District Election Authority to monitor election related expenditures as per ECI guidelines.
District Election Officer VisheshMahajan, SSP GauravSikarwar and ROs of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and Reasi constituency among others attended the meeting.
The Expenditure Observer interacted with expenditure monitoring teams, Assistant Expenditure Observers of all the 3 ACs Static Surveillance Teams and Flying Squad Teams and directed them to strictly enforce the Commission guidelines with regard to election expenditure.
She emphasized on strict monitoring and the need to curb any kind of illegal expenditure throughout the election process. She highlighted the critical role of expenditure monitoring team in ensuring the integrity of the election process
Furthermore, Expenditure Observer urged DEO VisheshMahajan to ensure that the team members perform their duties by upholding highest values of integrity and professionalism which will provide level playing field to all candidates ensuring free and fair elections.
General Observer listens to public issues at Doda
Doda: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has appointed AdityaNegi as the General Observer for 52-Doda & 53- Doda west Assembly Constituency in view of the General Elections to Legislative Assembly, 2024.
To ensure transparent conduct of elections, the General Observer shall remain available to meet stakeholders on election related matters at PWD DakBanglowDoda between 10:00 am to 11:00 am for 3 days a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Meanwhile, the concerned stakeholders can meet the General Observer regarding any query or complaint related to elections during the given time frame.
General Observer reviews election preparedness in Bhaderwah
Bhaderwah: In preparation for the General Assembly Elections 2024, the General Observer for AC-51 Bhaderwah, Malikarjuna A, held a crucial meeting with election and security officers here Thursday in Dak Bungalow.
The Observer conducted a thorough review of the election facilities, as he inspected the Strong Room and other election setups made available to ensure safe storage and management of all election materials.
The meeting was attended by the Returning Officer for AC-51, (Additional Deputy Commissioner) Sunil Kumar, Assistant Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar and others.
The discussions focused on the overall preparedness for the Assembly election, with an emphasis on ensuring all arrangements for a smooth and secure election process.
The General Observer stressed the importance of robust security measures and coordination among all security agencies, including the local police and various departments, to facilitate a peaceful electoral process.
Specific directions were given to enhance surveillance and security at sensitive polling stations, ensuring the safety and confidence of the voters. The Observer also reviewed the progress on the inclusion of new voters in the electoral rolls, the preparation of updated voter lists, and the identification of sensitive and normal polling stations.
Earlier, the Returning Officer briefed the Observer on the preparations made for the polling stations, highlighting the steps taken to ensure compliance toth the guidelines of the Election Commission of India.
Security officers also provided an overview of the measures being implemented to ensure foolproof security throughout the election process. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with all officers reaffirming their commitment to upholding the democratic process and ensuring a successful election in Bhaderwah.
General Observer 51-Bhaderwah AC available for Public hearing
Bhaderwah: General Observer for 51-Bhaderwah Assembly Constituency Mallikarjuna A will be available for public hearing here at the DakBunglow between 2 PM to 4 PM daily.
The General Observer would listen to election related matters of the stakeholders, including general public and political representatives. The stakeholders can meet the General Observer regarding any query or complaint related to elections during the scheduled time. They can also approach the General Observer on his mobile phone number 8899366766.
Election Expenditure Observer reviews surveillance measures in Poonch
Poonch: Expenditure Observer for Poonch Bharat RamchandraAndhale on Thursday reviewed enforcement measures taken by the District Election Authority to ensure strict adherence to the Election Commission of India’s guidelines on election-related expenditures.
Earlier, RamchandraAndhale was welcomed by the District Election Officer VikasKundal.
The Expenditure Observer appreciated the District Election Officer Poonch for setting up a vibrant election mechanism. He emphasized the importance of diligence and strict compliance to the guidelines throughout the election process, underscoring the vital role of the expenditure monitoring team in maintaining the integrity of the elections. He urged the officials to perform their duties with utmost professionalism.
He issued instructions to the Static Surveillance Team (SST) to check each and every vehicle without any fail and seize any suspicious cash or material. He issued directions to the Flying Surveillance team to redress the online complaints on the cVIGIL portal within 100 minutes as mandated by the ECI. The Video surveillance team was instructed to keep a strong vigil on the political activities and rallies within the district and keep a record of it. The Manager Lead Development Banks was instructed to closely monitor the transactions beyond the permissible limit and report to the concerned authorities on a day to day basis. The excise and taxation officer was directed to conduct surprise visits and keep a record of sale and stock of liquor on a daily basis.
Earlier, the Election Expenditure Observer conducted a thorough inspection of election monitoring facilities established at District Development Commissioner’s Office Poonch including Returning officers room where nominations will be filed , Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC), Complaint Management Cell, Video Viewing Team and meticulously reviewed expenses record, verified their authenticity and adherence of election guidelines.
During his visit, he was accompanied by the District Election Officer Poonch, SSP Poonch, ADC Poonch, ACR Poonch, DIO Poonch and other key officers designated for smooth conduct of the elections. He assured his support throughout the election period for any query or concern related to election.
