General Observer Shopian AC conducts extensive inspection of various polling stations

SHOPIAN, AUGUST 30: The General Observer for the 37-Shopian Assembly Constituency (AC), Roohi Khan today continued her extensive inspection of polling stations of the constituency to assess the Assured minimum facilities (AMF) in anticipation of the upcoming elections.

The General Observer visited various places housing polling stations including at Town Hall, GDC, Treasury Office, PHE Office, BHSS and GHSS, where she closely examined the facilities of electricity, water, toilets, ramps etc.

Roohi Khan emphasized the need for polling stations to be accessible, particularly for women, elderly voters, and persons with disabilities, ensuring the inclusive and participatory electoral process.

After review, The General Observer issued directions to authorities to restore and maintain drainage around some polling stations along with conducting sanitation drives around the polling stations. She also instructed to ensure the availability of a help desk at each polling station.

AROs were directed to ensure participation of Panchayat secretaries, teaching and other staff, not engaged in polling day duties, to assist BLOs on pre poll day and poll day on Help Desk at each polling station. ASHAs and AWWs shall be kept available to support the BLO at the help desk, especially when the BLO is occupied with arranging food, logistics, and other arrangements, the General Observer instructed.

She also suggested conducting the training for ASHAs and AWWs before polls to ensure they perform the duties efficiently.

She emphasized the importance of voter turnout through SVEEP and Outreach programmes and engaged with Booth Level Officers (BLOs), encouraging them to implement strategies to increase voter participation in polling stations which witnessed low turnout in previous elections.

Directions have been given to install signboards indicating directions to the polling booths. Polling stations should prominently display basic information, including the station name, the number of male and female voters, total voting area, and the name and contact number of the BLO, stressed Roohi Khan.

The General Observer’s proactive approach underlines her commitment to a free, fair, and well-organized election process in the Shopian constituency.