RAJOURI: As part of the ongoing preparations for the upcoming Assembly Elections 2024, the District Election Officer (DEO) Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the district’s readiness and ensure strict adherence to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) outlined by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the final 72 and 48 hours before polling.
The meeting, attended by all Returning Officers (ROs) and Nodal Officers, aimed to streamline various aspects of election management to ensure smooth and transparent polling across Rajouri district.
The Nodal Officer for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) was directed to manage the deployment and mobilization of security forces at all polling stations to ensure law and order. A detailed security plan was discussed to address sensitive areas and ensure voter safety.
ROs were instructed to visit the District Control Room immediately after the departure of polling teams. They were advised to use webcasting to monitor the timely arrival of these teams at their assigned polling stations. A detailed check of polling station setup, including accessibility and security arrangements, was also mandated.
Micro Observers will be deployed to conduct random inspections across polling stations. These inspections will ensure adherence to ECI guidelines and address any irregularities promptly. As a precautionary measure, coordination with local Gurudwaras was suggested to mobilize resources if needed, ensuring a robust backup plan.
The Nodal Officer for Manpower was tasked with thoroughly reviewing the deployment of polling personnel. Specific instructions were given to exempt pregnant women and officials with locomotor disabilities from election duties, in compliance with ECI guidelines.
The Nodal Officer responsible for Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) was directed to ensure timely replacement of malfunctioning machines. Engineers will be strategically deployed to handle any technical glitches during polling hours, ensuring minimal disruptions.
Teams were instructed to maintain a strict vigil in sensitive areas, particularly those prone to liquor and cash distribution, as well as regions close to the Line of Control (LOC). Any suspicious activities must be immediately reported and acted upon.
The DEO emphasized the submission of updated polling station details, including their latitude and longitude, as part of the district’s communication plan. All the contesting candidates must be formally informed about the opening and closing of intermediate strong rooms. This measure ensures transparency in the handling of sensitive election materials.
All vehicles transporting polling staff will be equipped with GPS tracking. The data should be monitored to ensure smooth transit, and any delays or issues will be addressed promptly through proper mapping and webcasting.
The Static Surveillance Teams (SST) and Flying Squad Teams (FST) were reminded to ensure thorough checks at all Nakas. Prompt communication regarding any seizures of illicit cash, liquor or materials is critical for ensuring compliance with ECI directives.
In case of non-EPIC (Elector’s Photo Identity Card) voters, the DEO reiterated that no voter shall be allowed to enter polling stations without valid identification. The DEO directed election teams to raise awareness about this requirement across all Assembly constituencies to prevent any voter from being turned away.
He emphasized to convey to all political parties to submit a list of their agents. These lists will be provided to the polling parties in advance to ensure proper coordination at polling stations.
He directed to ensure timely issuance of passes to Media persons for covering the election events will be issued special passes for smooth access to polling stations.
In his concluding remarks, the DEO reiterated the importance of following every directive issued by the Election Commission of India, emphasizing that all measures are aimed at ensuring free, fair, and peaceful elections.
