KATHUA: District Election Officer (DEO) Kathua, Dr. Rakesh Minhas (Deputy Commissioner Kathua), today chaired a key meeting with Sector Officers and Sector Police Officers in the Office of the Returning Officer for the 63-Bani Assembly Constituency to review the preparedness for the upcoming election.
During the meeting, it was decided that polling parties assigned to 94 polling stations within the 63-Bani AC – 33 in Lohai Malhar and 61 in Bani – will be paired at Government Degree College (GDC), Kathua. These teams will be dispatched for polling on September 29, 2024, and are expected to reach their respective locations in Bani and Lohai Malhar by the evening of the same day.
The DEO directed the Returning Officer, Bani to ensure appropriate lodging and boarding arrangements for the polling parties assigned to Bani. Similarly, the RO for Billawar will oversee lodging and boarding for those assigned to Lohai Malhar.
As decided, on September 30th, the polling parties for the 61 stations in Bani and 33 stations in Lohai Malhar will be deployed to conduct polling, which is scheduled for October 1, 2024. Following the polling, the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be returned and deposited at GDC Bani and GDC Billawar. On the following day, all EVMs will be transported to GDC Kathua for the counting of votes.
Dr. Minhas emphasized the crucial role of Sector Officers and Sector Police Officers, reminding them of their responsibilities at their respective polling stations. "Ensuring transparent polling process, maintaining fairness and neutrality at all times is the primary job of teams”. “Strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to influence or intimidate voters." he further stated.
The DEO also addressed concerns and queries raised by the Sector Officers and Sector Police Officers, ensuring clarity on all aspects of the polling process. The Returning Officer for the 63-Bani Assembly Constituency, Giasul Haq, and Assistant Returning Officer, Predhyum Attri, were also present at the meeting.
