General, Police Observers review election preparedness in Ramban

RAMBAN, APRIL 03: General Observer for 4-Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency, Dheeraj Kumar and Police Observer, Daljit Singh today conducted a comprehensive meeting with Assistant Returning Officers (AROs), and Nodal Officers here in the Conference Hall  to assess and enhance election preparedness across the district.

The meeting was attended by District Election Officer,  Baseer-Ul-Haq; Senior Superintendent of Police Anuj Kumar; SSP Traffic Rohit Baksotra,  Additional District Development Commissioner, Roshan Lal; Additional Deputy Commissioner Varunjeet Singh Charak; Addl. SP Gourav Mahajan   AROs, Dy. DEO and Nodal Officers.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on  enforcement of model code of conduct, expenditure monitoring, security plan,   transport and communication plan besides functioning of VST and flying squads.

Reviewing the various plans devised by the civil and police administration for polling, the General Observer said that proper training of polling staff is the key for successful conduct of elections. He directed the District Administration to ensure quality training and better human resource management to ensure smooth conduct of elections scheduled to be held on April 19, 2024 in the district.     

Emphasis was placed on conducting Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) activities comprehensively throughout the district to enhance voter turnout, 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 smooth conduct of general election, emphasizing coordination and providing theoretical and practical handholding to polling staff.   Officers were instructed to sensitize vulnerable areas to encourage optimum participation in the democratic process.

Earlier, the DEO   presented a detailed overview of election preparedness at the polling station level, including plans related to dispatch of polling parties and collection of EVMs after polling,  monitoring of 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  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.

Meanwhile, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Ramban also briefed the Observers about the security plan being prepared for the smooth conduct of election in the district.

The Observers also assessed the functioning of the 24×7 election control room and security arrangements of the strong Room at Ramban.