DEO Rajouri reviews Election preparations in district

RAJOURI, AUGUST 19: District Election Officer (DEO) Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting with District Nodal Officers at Dak Bungalow Rajouri to assess and advance the preparations for the upcoming elections in the district.

The meeting focused on a wide range of critical issues, including the number of polling stations, the recent visits of RO’s to polling stations, vulnerability mapping, and the status of counting and strong rooms. DEO, Sharma also reviewed the Elector Population (EP) ratio, the plan for home voting, transport logistics, and the communication plan to ensure smooth election conduct.

DEO Sharma issued specific instructions for conducting mock drills in vulnerable polling stations, particularly those near the Line of Control (LOC). Emphasizing the importance of security and transparency, he directed the installation of two cameras; one inside and one outside each polling station. Additionally, he called for the training of videographers who will be assigned to home voting operations.

The DEO also instructed Returning Officers to hold meetings with sector officers and representatives of political parties. He emphasized the need to designate intermediate strong rooms at select locations to address any potential security issues during the elections.

A significant directive was given to identify polling stations with a history of ceasefire violations or clashes to ensure enhanced security and vigilance in those areas.

He urged all officers to thoroughly familiarize themselves with the guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to avoid any lapses. Special emphasis was placed on the strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) protocols, and expenditure management.

The meeting was attended by ADDC Raj Kumar Thapa, ADC Rajouri, Rajeev Kumar Khajuria; ADC Sunderbani, Rajeev Magotra; ADC Nowshera, Babu Ram Tandan; ADC Kalakote, Mohd Tanveer; ADC Kotranka, Dilmir; Deputy DEO, Shakeel Malik; along with all other ROs, Nodal Officers, and concerned officials.