- Expenditure Observer conducts checks Election Expenditure Registers at Kishtwar
KISHTWAR: The Election Expenditure Observer for Kishtwar district Sameer Kumar Jha on Wednesday conducted the second review of the expenditure registers for all contesting candidates in the ongoing General Assembly elections at VC room, DC Office Complex Kishtwar.
The review meeting was held in the presence of Nodal Officer of the Expenditure Monitoring Cell/DTO Kishtwar and representatives of contesting candidates, ensuring transparency and adherence to election expenditure norms.
This review is part of the district's ongoing efforts to ensure accountability in the electoral process.
Expenditure Observer along with a team of senior officials, including Nodal Officer Expenditure Monitoring Cell, Liaison Officer Hitesh Kumar Loona examined the records submitted by candidates to ensure compliance with the guidelines established by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The primary focus of the review was to confirm that all election expenditures remain within the prescribed limits.
The Expenditure Monitoring Cell is responsible for real-time tracking of expenditures, including costs related to political advertisements and public rallies.
The Observers emphasized the importance of strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and the financial regulations laid out by the ECI. Contesting candidates were reminded that compliance with these norms is essential as per Election Commission norms.
The District Administration remains committed to conducting a free, fair, and transparent election process. Polling for the Assembly Constituencies in District Kishtwar is scheduled for 18th September as part of the first phase of polling in Jammu and Kashmir.
Election Awareness Campaign in Remote Areas of Dharmari and Mahore in Reasi District
REASI: An extensive election awareness campaign was conducted in the far-flung areas of Dharmari and Mahore, District Reasi, with active participation from local residents, including senior citizens, students, and women.
The initiative was held under the overall supervision of DEO Reasi, Vishesh Mahajan and aimed to foster informed and engaged voter participation in the upcoming elections.
The campaign featured a series of impactful events, including a pledge-taking ceremony and a vibrant rally. Students from Government Degree College (GDC) Dharmari played a significant role in the activities, delivering speeches, performing songs, and leading the pledge to emphasize the importance of voting and civic engagement.
Special focus was placed on interaction with local tribal masses and informing them about the election process.
The Team also informed the public about the availability of home voting for senior citizens aged 85 and above, Pink polling station, ensuring inclusivity in the voting process. Additionally, Persons with Disabilities (PwD) were introduced to the Saksham-ECI app, which features a range of accessibility options to assist in voter registration, locating polling stations, and casting votes.
Nodal officer SVEEP Sachin Sharma highlighted that this proactive outreach effort sought to ensure that even the most remote communities are aware of their electoral rights and responsibilities, reinforcing the democratic process through grassroots involvement and education.
Others present at the event were Principal GDC Dharmari Dr. Shabir Ahmed, Professor Ajay Kumar, women of SHGs, local tribal masses and others.
General Observer inspects operational preparations at Polling Station Suketar in Katra
REASI: The General Observer for AC 57 (Reasi) and AC 58 (Katra), Avi Prasad today conducted a detailed inspection of polling station 37 at Primary School Suketar in AC 58 Katra, as part of the ongoing preparations for the upcoming assembly elections in District Reasi.
During the visit, the observer closely reviewed the latest voter list, ensuring that the data is accurate and up-to-date. The team also inspected the distribution of voter slips by the concerned Booth Level Officer (BLO), emphasizing the importance of reaching all eligible voters. In addition to the station visit, the general observers personally visited several local households in the area to verify whether residents had received their voter slips. This step was taken to ensure that all eligible voters are informed and prepared to participate in the upcoming elections.
The visit is part of the Election Commission's broader efforts to ensure transparency and smooth functioning of the electoral process, guaranteeing that all necessary arrangements are in place for the upcoming elections.
The observers appreciated the work done by the BLO and encouraged the staff to continue their efforts in making the election process accessible and efficient for all voters in the district. For further information, please contact the District Election Office, Reasi.
District Election team organizes human chain event at GDC Boys Udhampur
UDHAMPUR: District Election team, under the guidance of District Election Officer Saloni Rai, organized a human chain event as part of the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation campaign at Government Degree College Boys Udhampur.
Led by Dr. Preeti Sharma, the event brought together around 500 students and faculty members, focusing on educating the participants about the importance of voting and active electoral participation. The human chain served as a symbolic initiative to raise awareness among young voters, encouraging them to fulfill their civic duty by exercising their right to vote.
This event represents a key step towards empowering the youth and fostering a culture of informed electoral engagement in the region.
SVEEP awareness drive in full swing across Ramban
RAMBAN: The District Election Cell Ramban, under the leadership of District Election Officer (DEO) Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, has intensified its voter awareness drive across the district to enhance voter turnout in the upcoming Assembly Elections 2024.
The campaign, launched under the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) initiative, continues to engage the public through various events and activities aimed at encouraging greater electoral participation.
Today, the campaign's spotlight was on a Nukad Natak performed by the Sangam Theater Group from Reasi, empanelled with the SVEEP campaign. The street play was staged at the bustling marketplace in Rajgarh, part of the 54 Assembly Constituency Ramban. The performance attracted a large public gathering, offering an engaging and informative medium to spread awareness about the importance of voting.
In a parallel event, the SVEEP team, led by Nodal Officer for Women Awareness Shalini Chandel, conducted an awareness session at the Government Degree College, Ukhral.
The session focused on educating students about the importance of voting and encouraging them to ensure 100% participation of their eligible family members and neighbors in the upcoming elections scheduled for September 18. Additionally, the students were introduced to the c-Vigil mobile application, a tool that empowers citizens to report electoral malpractices directly from their smartphones.
General Observer Gulabgarh AC inspects strong room, poll stations; interacts with zonal & sector magistrates, general public
REASI: General Observer for Assembly Constituencies (AC) 56-Gulabgarh (ST) Saroj Kumar Sethi today inspected the strong room established in Gujjar hostel Kansooli Mahore.
The Observer also held a meeting with contesting candidates in the RO-56 office to address their concerns and grievances. Later, he chaired a meeting of zonal & sectoral magistrates and instructed them to perform the assigned duties diligently and as per the procedural conduct laid by the Election Commission of India.
The Observers also visited different polling stations including Pink booths and blue booths to review the preparations there. He also planted trees at 2 polling stations, interacted with local people and motivated them to participate in the electoral process. Other officials present included RO-56 Mazahir Hussain.
2nd Randomization of Polling Personnel conducted in Ramban
RAMBAN: In preparation for the upcoming General Elections to the Legislative Assembly 2024, the second randomization of polling personnel for deployment across 365 polling stations in Ramban District's two Assembly constituencies was successfully conducted today here in the DC Office Complex.
The randomization process was supervised by General Observer Himanshu Kumar Rai and District Election Officer (DEO) Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, in the presence of district officials.
Utilizing specialized software in strict compliance with Election Commission of India guidelines, the process ensured transparency, fairness, and impartiality in the assignment of polling staff.
Notable officials present included Additional Deputy Commissioner Varunjeet Singh, Deputy District Election Officer Abdul Jabbar, and District Statistical and Evaluation Officer (DSEO) Ganesh Kumar. The technical aspects of the randomization were expertly managed by DIO NIC, Parshant Kumar. The smooth execution of this critical process marks an important step in ensuring efficient and unbiased elections in the district.
3375 Voters cast their Vote in District Kishtwar using Postal Ballot
KISHTWAR: Postal Ballot Voting for Employees engaged in the election process in District Kishtwar concluded today with a significant turnout of 89.21 %.
As many as, 3375 Employee voters out of total 3783 Voters cast their Votes in the strict adherence to the comprehensive protocols and guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The polling process was supervised by District Election Officer Rajesh Kumar Shavan.
The role of Deputy District Election Officer/Returning Officer for AC-48 Inderwal, Idrees Lone, Returning Officer for AC-49 Kishtwar/ADC, Pawan Kotwal, Returning Officer for AC-50 Nagseni Paddar/SDM Dr. Amit Kumar, Assistant Returning Officers, Security Officers, and other key officials remained pivotal during the whole process.
In all, 1,732 out of 1,925 voters (89.97%) cast their ballots in 49-Kishtwar Assembly Constituency ,while 706 out of 796 eligible voters exercised their right to vote (88.69) in 50-Paddar Nagseni Assembly Constituency. Similarly 937 out of 1062 eligible voters participated in the electoral process (88.22 %) in 48-Inderwal Assembly Constituency.
Voter awareness drive conducted for Commercial Vehicle Drivers in Samba
SAMBA: As part of ongoing voter awareness drive launched by Transport Department, ARTO Ramesh and Nodal Officer SVEEP Ekshu Sharma spearheaded an electoral education programme to encourage commercial vehicle drivers to prioritize road safety and participate in the upcoming elections on October 1, 2024.
The ARTO emphasized the importance of adhering to traffic rules, urging drivers to be more vigilant about safe driving practices. He highlighted that responsible driving is essential not only for personal safety but also for the well-being of the community.
Nodal Officer SVEEP Ekshu Sharma focused on raising awareness about the importance of voting. She discussed various Election Commission of India (ECI) voting-related apps designed to make the voting process more accessible. By introducing drivers to these digital tools, she stressed that every citizen should have the power to easily access information and participate in the democratic process.
The drive saw active participation from the local community and was supported by several other officials, demonstrating a strong collective effort toward ensuring a safe and informed electorate.
Seminar on Voter awareness held at GHS Galodi
KATHUA: To promote electoral participation in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections, a seminar on voter awareness was held today at Government High School (GHS) Galodi in the 65-Basohli Assembly Constituency.
Organized under the Election Commission of India's flagship SVEEP programme, the seminar aimed to motivate voters, particularly first-time voters, to turn out in large numbers for the elections on October 1, 2024.
The event saw the active participation of over 250 attendees, with 10 speakers sharing their insights on the significance of voting in a democratic nation like India. The speakers emphasized the importance of exercising the right to vote responsibly and the impact it has on building a popular government.
Zonal Magistrate Dr. Sunil Gupta, Principal of GDC Basohli, interacted with the audience, which included students, faculty members, BLO supervisors, community voters, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and BLOs from neighboring polling booths. Dr. Gupta underscored the constitutional right to vote for all citizens aged 18 and above, stressing that voting is not just a right but also a civic duty. He encouraged everyone to cast their votes responsibly and emphasized the critical role of students in educating the public about ethical and informed voting. He urged the students to act as ambassadors of the Election Commission of India and ensure that no voter is left behind.
Dr. Gupta highlighted the importance of maximum voter participation and reminded attendees that every vote counts in an election. He encouraged voters to seize the opportunity to shape the future through their votes.
The seminar also included the presence of Sector Officer Rajesh Kumar and BLO Supervisor Major Singh. The event was conducted under the guidance of the Returning Officer for 65-Basohli, Anil Kumar Thakur.
The program concluded with a joint pledge-taking ceremony where all attendees committed to participating responsibly in the electoral process.
