ANANTNAG: Following the Election Commission of India's (ECI) notification for the General Elections to the Legislative Assembly, the District Administration Anantnag simultaneously initiated preparation for free, fair and transparent elections.
Under the subtle guidance of District Election Officer (DEO) Syeed Fakhruddin. Hamid, a series of comprehensive election training programs are currently being held to prepare pool of efficient human resource for hassle free election process.
These programs constitute essential component of the electoral process designed to equip election officials, polling personnel, and other stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections.
Covering a broad spectrum of topics, these sessions delve into the technical aspects of voting procedures and the legal and ethical guidelines that must be adhered to during the election process.
More than five thousand polling staff have been trained in various aspects of elections including handling EVMs during three rounds of training. Detailed instructions on setting up polling stations, managing the voting process, handling Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs), voter identification, and vote counting have been issued.
Sectoral and zonal officers also receive specialized training to oversee and coordinate multiple polling stations within designated areas. This training emphasizes the importance of route planning, distribution of election materials, troubleshooting, and addressing issues on election day, ensuring logistical support and quick resolution of any problems across multiple polling stations.
The Master Trainer Programme is another critical initiative, aiming to develop a cadre of master trainers who can impart election-related knowledge to others. This program involves in-depth training on all aspects of the election process, including legal provisions, the Model Code of Conduct, and the use of technology in elections.
Training for counting staff is equally crucial, preparing them for the meticulous task of vote counting. This training covers procedures for counting votes, handling postal ballots and ensuring transparency and accuracy in the counting process.
Election training programs are indispensable for upholding the democratic process, ensuring that elections are conducted fairly, and that the results accurately reflect the will of the people. By ensuring that all election personnel operate under the same guidelines and standards, these programs reduce the risk of errors or misconduct. Ultimately, they provide stakeholders with the knowledge to carry out their duties transparently, which is vital for maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.
- Second Inspection of Expenditure Registers Conducted at Shopian
SHOPIAN: The second inspection of expenditure registers for the 36-Zainapora and 37-Shopian constituencies was conducted today at the Circuit House Shopian. The inspection was overseen by Expenditure Observer Nelapatla Ashok Babu, accompanied by Nodal Officer Expenditure Muzaffar Ahmad Rather and Assistant Expenditure Observers, Shopian, Sarfaraz Ahmad and Tufail Ahmad.
During the exercise, the expenditure registers of all contesting candidates were carefully examined and validated. Expenditure Observer Nelapatla Ashok Babu reiterated the need for candidates to maintain accurate and up-to-date expenditure records, stressing that all expenses must be duly recorded in their registers.
The observer reminded the candidates and their agents of the importance of keeping supporting documents such as bills, vouchers, and invoices on hand for future reference.
The Observer reassured the candidates that the expenditure monitoring process is an essential part of ensuring fairness in the election process and that various agencies are working diligently to maintain a level playing field.
Nodal Officer Expenditure Muzaffar Ahmad Rather provided a comprehensive briefing on the guidelines set by the Election Commission of India regarding expenditure management, ensuring all candidates are aligned with the rules. Contesting Candidates expressed their appreciation for the Observer's guidance and the smooth and transparent conduct of the inspection.
- Voters Awareness Programme under SVEEP held at Townhall Dooru
ANANTNAG: The SVEEP Cell Dooru in collaboration with Government Degree College Dooru conducted an awareness programme today at Town Hall Dooru.
The programme featured an engaging various activities including inter-college debate and discussion, specifically targeting young and first-time voters. This interactive session was designed to foster a deeper understanding of civic responsibilities and the importance of voting.
The main focuses on enhancing voter awareness among key demographics youth, female, and specially abled voters emphasizing the critical role they play in shaping the nation’s future through the upcoming General Assembly Elections.
This effort underscores the commitment to empowering citizens with the knowledge necessary to participate actively in the electoral process and make informed decisions that impact the future of the community and the nation.
- Vibrant Debate & Quiz Competition held under SVEEP at Degree College Pattan
BARAMULLA: A vibrant debate and quiz competition took place at the auditorium of Government Degree College Pattan, featuring students from Government Degree College Pattan and Government Degree College Tangmarg. Organized under the SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) program, the event aimed to enhance voter awareness and engage youth in the electoral process.
The competition provided a platform for students to explore key electoral issues through debate and test their knowledge on voting and civic duties in a dynamic quiz format. Both colleges demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm and insight, contributing to the event’s success in promoting democratic participation among the youth.
Following the competition, the Assembly Level SVEEP Nodal Officers awarded prizes to the outstanding performers, recognizing their contributions to voter education and engagement.
- DEO Shopian chairs introductory meeting with media persons of district
SHOPIAN: District Election Officer, Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar, today chaired an introductory meeting and discussed vital election issues with media persons of the district at Mini Secretariat, Shopian.
The DEO urged the media to contribute their part towards strengthening the efforts of the administration for the smooth conduct of elections. The media was briefed about the ongoing election related activities and asked to promote SVEEP activities, voter awareness initiatives besides countering any fake news on elections.
They were also asked to uphold the ethical and professional standards of journalism while reporting on issues and were appreciated for their approach towards reporting issues of the public.
The DEO said the media has a significant role in helping the administration in the deliverance of transparent and accountable governance to the people.
The interaction programme was organised by the District Election Office, Shopian and attended by media persons from various national and local media outlets.
The media fraternity expressed their appreciation for the engagement and extended their cooperation in all government endeavors. Dy.DEO, Jahanger Ahmad, District Information Officer, Showkat Hussain Ganie, DIO (Informatics), Ashfaq Ahmad were also present on the occasion.
- Expenditure Observer Inspects Shadow Registers of Contesting Candidates
PULWAMA: In line with the efforts to ensure transparency and adherence to election expenditure norms, Expenditure Observer Shrikant N inspected the shadow registers of contesting candidates for expenditure examination.
The inspection was conducted to ensure that all financial transactions and expenses made during the election campaign are accurately documented and comply with the guidelines laid down by the Election Commission of India.
This step is crucial to maintaining accountability and ensuring a level playing field to all candidates. Shrikant N reiterated the importance of maintaining accurate records and urged the candidates to adhere strictly to the expenditure limits set by the Election Commission.
- Mega SVEEP Awareness Programmes organised in AC-34 Pulwama
PULWAMA: In a significant step towards promoting voter education and encouraging informed electoral participation, two mega awareness programmes under the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) initiative were conducted at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Naira and Upper Primary School (UPS) Tenghar on Monday.
Both events witnessed overwhelming public participation, along with enthusiastic and engaged involvement from students, teachers, Booth Level Officers (BLOs), and electoral experts. These programmes were intended to educate citizens about the electoral process, emphasizing the significance of informed and responsible voting ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
In addition to the insightful sessions by the experts, the events were complemented by cultural performances by the students, bringing vibrancy to the day’s proceedings. The atmosphere was further enriched by inspiring speeches delivered by students, who passionately conveyed the importance of voting and active citizenship. The performances emphasized the role of youth in fostering electoral awareness and their vital contribution to the democratic process.
To amplify the outreach, a rally was also organized at Naira, aimed at fostering broader community engagement and maximizing voter turnout.
This initiative underscores the ongoing commitment of the Election Commission of India and the District Administration to ensure that every eligible voter is well-informed and empowered, ensuring thereby a stronger and more inclusive democracy.
- SVEEP Programme Conducted in AC-Rajpora to Enhance Voter Education
RAJPORA: A Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme was successfully held today at Higher Secondary School (HSS) Litter, in Assembly Constituency 35-Rajpora, Pulwama.
The event was conducted under the mentorship of the District Nodal Officer (SVEEP), the Chief Education Officer of Pulwama. The programme aimed to promote voter education and awareness among students and the general public ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
In addition to the educational institutions, the Rural Development Department also organized a SVEEP event at Qasbayar, Rajpora. Members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) were actively involved, advancing the reach of the awareness campaign. Moreover, Kongposh Cluster Level Federation (CLF) at Bellow in AC-35 Rajpora held a well-organized SVEEP programme.
This event focused on educating the common masses and SHG members on the importance of voter participation. Special emphasis was placed on increasing voter turnout in the upcoming elections.
The programme highlighted the value of each vote and its significance in a democratic setup, while also explaining the role of SVEEP in fostering electoral awareness at the grassroots level.
