Panchayat Polls: CS reviews preparedness with DCs, Distt SPs

Srinagar: Chief Secretary, B V R Subrahmanyam Wednesday chaired a video conference with Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and District SPs to review the preparations for the upcoming Panchayat Elections scheduled to be held in 9 phases across all 22 districts in the State with first phase of polling commencing from November 17, 2018.
Principal Secretary, Home, Director General of Police, J&K, Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, ADGP, CID, ADGP, Law & Order, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, IGP Security, Kashmir Zone and other senior officers were present in the meeting. Divisional Commissioner, Jammu and IGP Security, Jammu Zone participated in the meeting via video conferencing.
Preparations with respect to logistics, security and contingency plans were reviewed extensively during the meeting. Necessary instructions were passed on to DCs and District SPs for the successful conduct of Panchayat Elections.
DCs and District SPs were directed to work in close coordination and synergy to ensure a secure and conducive atmosphere for participation of people in Panchayat Elections.
Instructions were issued for ensuring smooth Panchayat Elections in areas which may receive early snow fall this winter in terms of advance preparations and chalking out a contingency plan for mobility in the event of closure of roads.
Chief Secretary asked DCs to nominate nodal officers for each Panchayat Halqa to coordinate and monitor various activities meant to facilitate candidates and the public.
It was also stressed upon DCs & District SPs to ensure adherence to the directions issued by the Chief Electoral Officer, J&K and enforcement of model code of conduct during the elections.
On this occasion, Chief Secretary urged DCs to take required steps for issuing Golden Cards under the health protection scheme Ayushman Bharat by 15th December, 2018.