General Observer reviews election preparedness in Udhampur

UDHAMPUR, APRIL 01: General Observer for the 4-Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency, Dheeraj Kumar, and Police Observer Daljit Singh today conducted a comprehensive meeting with  Assistant Returning Officers (AROs), Nodal Officers, Sector and Zonal Magistrates in the Conference Hall of DC Office Complex, here, to assess and enhance election preparedness.

The meeting was attended by District Election Officer, Saloni Rai; Senior Superintendent of Police Joginder Singh; Additional District Development Commissioner Rajinder Singh; Additional Deputy Commissioner Joginder Singh Jasrotia; Deputy District Election Officer Dr. Anirudh Rai  AROs, and Nodal Officers.

During the meeting, District Election Officer provided a detailed overview of election preparedness at the polling station level, including plans related to single-window system for granting permissions, monitoring  model code of conduct, Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC), vigilance on expenditure by political parties and candidates, and management of paid news.

The General Observer was apprised about provision made for the Assured Minimum Facilities at polling stations, working of expenditure monitoring cell, training of polling personnel, appointment and training of sectoral and zonal officers, randomization of polling personnel and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), among other essential aspects of conducting elections.

Detailed discussions were held on the enforcement of model code of conduct, expenditure monitoring, security plan, and transport and communication plan.

The Observers also interacted with AROs of 59-Udhampur West, 60-Udhampur East, 61-Chenani, and 62-Ramnagar Assembly constituencies respectively.

Emphasis was placed on conducting Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) activities comprehensively throughout the district, with AROs and Nodal Officers urged to adhere to latest guidelines from the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Furthermore, the General Observer directed teams to enhance readiness for the smooth conduct of general election, emphasizing coordination and providing theoretical and practical training to polling staff. Sector officers were instructed to sensitize vulnerable areas to encourage participation in the democratic process.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Udhampur also briefed the General Observer about the security plan being prepared for the smooth conduct of election in the district.

Later, the General Observer also conducted a field visit and inspected the preparedness on ground. He was accompanied by Daljit Singh, Police Observer District Election Officer and other officers. He reviewed the security arrangements made for strong room, collection and dispatch centres of EVM and places of stay for polling personnel. He appreciated the efforts of the District Election Officer and her election team for poll preparedness and SVEEP programmes.