Poll preparedness reviewed in Srinagar
Our Correspondent
Jammu, August 18
Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, who is also the District Election Officer (DEO), on Sunday chaired a meeting to review the preparedness for the upcoming Assembly election in the district.
Bhat held a detailed discussion with the returning officers (ROs), assistant returning officers (AROs), district and assembly constituency level designated nodal officials of election machinery to assess the important aspects of the election process mainly aimed at ensuring free, fair, smooth and transparent elections in all eight Assembly constituencies of Srinagar district.
The DEO took a first-hand appraisal of the preparedness regarding various crucial aspects and activities for Assembly elections, including assessment of logistical requirements, manpower management plan, transportation of poll staff/Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), training management, expenditure monitoring, media, communication, transport management, PWD voters, SVEEP activities, Permissions and randomization of polling staff.
The DEO asked the AROs and designated nodal officers to take all required measures to ensure that every necessary facility is made available at polling locations/stations, distribution/collections centres. He also stressed upon them to gear up all available men and machinery on ground to ensure an effective and meticulous election management plan.
Special emphasis was laid on strict implementation of the Model Code of Conduct and level playing field. The DEO impressed upon all ROs and designated nodal officers for timely permissions to all political parties for events and programmes.
Bhat instructed for establishing a robust control room to efficiently monitor the forthcoming election. He also laid emphasis on ensuring adequate minimum facilities (AMF) at all polling booths for electorates, polling staff and the security personnel deployed for electoral duties on the election day.
The DEO also asked the ROs and AROs to undertake a visit to polling stations and distribution centres to ensure all requisite arrangements are put in place in adherence to the guidelines of the Election Commission of India.
