DEO Jammu briefs political parties on Assembly Elections

JAMMU, AUGUST 23: District Election Officer Sachin Kumar Vaishya today convened a meeting with political party representatives to discuss adherence to the Election Commission of India guidelines in view of Assembly Elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

The DEO emphasised the importance of strict compliance to the Model Code of Conduct. He urged all political parties to cooperate fully in implementing the MCC across the district to maintain the integrity of the electoral process. He highlighted the necessity of using online services for obtaining permissions for political activities, such as canvassing and rallies, to ensure a streamlined and transparent process.

Nodal Officer for MCC (ADDC Jammu), Sher Singh provided a detailed briefing on the application procedures and clarified the roles of political agents in maintaining the electoral code.

Nodal Officer ETPBS/IT (Director IT) Sanjeev Kapoor elaborated on the use of online portals and mobile apps, stressing the importance of digital tools in ensuring transparency and efficiency.

In a separate meeting with Returning Officers and other concerned nodal officers, the DEO reviewed the nomination process, emphasising the significance of transparency, accuracy and vigilance. ROs received comprehensive instructions on the technical aspects of the nomination procedure, including the recent revisions to ECI guidelines.

Coordination with law enforcement agencies was a key topic of discussion to ensure a secure environment during the nomination and election period. The functioning of Flying Squad Teams, Static Surveillance Teams and Sectoral Magistrates was also reviewed, with a focus on the timely granting of permissions and ensuring compliance with the established protocols.

Later, Nodal Officer for MCC, Permissions, and Law & Order, Sher Singh, also chaired a meeting with political party representatives. This session focused on setting the rates for various political activities, including rallies and other election-related expenses. The representatives were thoroughly briefed on ECI guidelines concerning financial transparency, ensuring that all expenses are accounted for and conducted within the prescribed limits.