JAMMU/SRINAGAR: In a series of election-related events across the region, voter awareness campaigns and official reviews have heightened enthusiasm among voters, especially first-time participants. The Jashn-e-Jamhooriyat event at GDC Kupwara sparked a wave of voter awareness and excitement, while Expenditure Observers reviewed election expenses in several constituencies.
Special Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) events in Mohargarh and other areas continue to encourage participation. As polling staff are finalised and election expenditure registers inspected, districts like Kathua, Reasi, and Samba gear up for smooth and transparent electoral processes, including home voting and staff allocation.
Jashn-e-Jamhooriyat event at GDC Kupwara ignites voter awareness, enthusiasm among first time voters
KUPWARA: The conference Hall of Govt. Boys Degree College Kupwara reverberated with the vibrant voices of democracy and voter awareness as a grand event themed “ Jasn-e Jamhooriyat” was held under Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) initiative.
General election Observer Trehgam, Kupwara P. Hema Latha , General Observer Handwara, Pankaj K. Panday, General Observer, Karnah, Prakash Bindu, General Observer, Lolab, Tshewang Gyachho Bhutia and District Election Officer (DEO) Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan graced the occasion and emphasized the vital role of youth in promoting voter awareness.
They urged students and first-time voters to become agents of change by educating others about the importance of exercising their fundamental right to vote.
The other officers present on the occasion were ADDC Kupwara, District Nodal Officer SVEEP, ROs, Deputy District Election Officer Kupwara, other officers, youth Icons, students and first time voters.
The highly impactful event, which drew an enthusiastic crowd from all walks of life, featured a mesmerising array of cultural and musical performances by local artists, cultural groups and performers as well as thought-provoking musical skits and mock parliament by students who took to the stage to convey the message of the importance of voter participation in strengthening democratic fabric.
In a powerful display of voter engagement under the leadership of DEO Kupwara, this highly impactful event captivated the students, first time voters and other audience which emphasised the critical role of each voter in shaping the nation’s future.
The event was further enriched with the insights of other dignitaries who spoke on the occasion and urged the students to advocate for voter participation among their eligible relatives.
A vibrant cultural segment creatively conveyed the significance of voter awareness through various cultural dances and skit performances.
Expenditure Observer reviews election expenses of candidates
KATHUA: A meeting was held at DIET Basholi with representatives of various political parties and independent candidates.
The meeting was chaired by the Expenditure Observer, Tanay Sharma.
Returning Officer, Basholi-65, Anil Kumar Thakur, along with representatives from political parties and independent candidates of the Bani, Basholi and Billawar constituencies were present.
After introducing the representatives, the observer asked for the details of the election expenditures incurred so far. All representatives submitted the necessary documents related to the election expenses up to 18th September, which were thoroughly examined by the officials.
It was given out in the meeting that further meetings to review the election expenses will be held on 24th September and 28th September. During these meetings, all candidates from Basholi, Bani, and Billawar constituencies will be required to present their election expenditure details before the Expenditure Observer.
The Expenditure Observer emphasized that candidates must submit the complete details of their total election expenses to the Election Cell in Kathua within 26 days of the conclusion of the elections, as per the Election Commission's guidelines to ensure transparency and accountability in campaign financing and election expenditure.
Special SVEEP event held in Mohargarh Village to encourage voter participation
SAMBA: In a significant outreach effort to encourage maximum Electoral Participation in the upcoming elections, the District Election Office organized a special event in the remote village of Mohargarh, located in Samba 70 constituency.
The event, a key part of the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) initiative, featured a Nukkad Natak in the local dialect, aimed at encouraging residents to vote on 1st October 2024.
The event targeted areas that recorded low voter turnout in the Lok Sabha elections. The focus was to raise awareness and ensure higher participation in the ongoing assembly elections.
The picturesque setting of Mohargarh, a village with a rich historical background, added to the significance of the event, drawing the attention and appreciation of the local community.
Present at the event were District Election Officer (DEO) Rajesh Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Vinay Sharma, and the two General Observers, Vishwashree Boga and C.G. Rajini Kaanthan, all of whom interacted with the villagers and emphasized the importance of exercising their democratic right to vote.
The event was organized by SVEEP District Nodal Officer Ekshu Sharma and Assembly Constituency (AC) 70 Nodal Officer Sheetal, who have been spearheading efforts across the district to engage with communities and boost electoral participation.
Speaking at the event, DEO Rajesh Sharma said, "No voter should be left behind in this democratic process. We are committed to reach every corner of Samba District to encourage active participation, especially in areas like Mohargarh, where turnout has been historically low."
SSP Vinay Sharma echoed the same sentiment, stressing the importance of each vote in shaping the future of the region and ensuring security and fairness during the election process.
The local residents, moved by the interactive Nukkad Natak, pledged to actively participate in the upcoming elections and encourage their fellow villagers to do the same. The team of officials also visited the polling stations of Mohargarh and took stock of the facilities being provided at the station.
This event is part of a larger series of voter awareness initiatives being conducted by the district administration to ensure maximum turnout and a smooth electoral process on Election Day.
Expenditure Observer conducts first inspection of Election Expenditure Registers for Ramgarh, Samba, Vijaypur ACs
SAMBA: The Election Expenditure Observer for Samba District, Karthick Manickam M, conducted the first inspection of the Election Expenditure Registers of candidates contesting fot the 69-Ramgarh, 70-Samba, and 71-Vijaypur Assembly Constituencies. The inspection took place today in the Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex, Nandani Hills, Samba.
The inspection aimed to ensure that all election expenditures for the three constituencies remain within the prescribed limits set by the Election Commission of India (ECI). Karthick Manickam M, IRS thoroughly examined the records submitted by candidates to verify compliance with ECI guidelines.
During the inspection, the Expenditure Observer emphasized the importance of strict adherence to the ECI's financial regulations, urging candidates to maintain accurate and transparent expenditure records. He underscored the critical role of such measures in ensuring free and fair elections, urging all candidates to follow the ECI’s standards to uphold the integrity of the election process.
The inspection was attended by key officials, including Nidhi Gupta, Nodal Officer for Election Expenditure Monitoring, Sunaina Saini, Returning Officer for the 69-Ramgarh Assembly Constituency, Kusum Chib, Returning Officer For 70-Samba Assembly constituency, and Umesh Sharma, Returning Officer, 71-Vijaypur Assembly constituency along with representatives of the contesting candidates and other concerned officials.
This inspection is part of the Election Commission’s ongoing efforts to monitor election expenditures and ensure that all processes in the 69-Ramgarh, 70-Samba, and 71-Vijaypur constituencies are conducted within the legal framework, promoting transparency and fairness in the upcoming elections.
2nd randomisation of Polling Staff conducted in Samba
SAMBA: The 2nd randomization of polling staff for the Assembly Elections was conducted for Samba district by District Election Officer (DEO), Rajesh Sharma, here today.
This process is a crucial step in election preparations for the three Assembly Constituencies (ACs) of 69-Ramgarh, 70-Samba, and 71-Vijaypur.
The randomization event took place in the Video Conference Room of the DC Office Complex, Nandani Hills, Samba.
General Observer for Ramgarh, Vishwashree Boga and General Observer for Samba and Vijaypur C.G. Rajini Kaanthan were also present to oversee the process, ensuring transparency and impartiality.
The polling staff were assigned their respective locations through advanced software developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), which guarantees fairness.
District Informatics Officer, Manish Kumar Sharma, explained the randomization process in detail, demonstrating how the software ensures unbiased staff assignments.
This procedure follows guidelines set by the Election Commission of India to promote free and fair elections.
Other officials in attendance included ADC Jagdish Singh, Returning Officer (RO) for 70-Samba, Kusum Chib, RO for 71-Vijaypur, Umesh Sharma, and other key staff.
DEO Rajesh Sharma emphasized that the process is vital for maintaining a free and transparent election.
DEO Reasi reviews election preparedness for Gulabgarh (ST)
REASI: District Election Officer (DEO) Reasi, Vishesh Mahajan chaired a crucial meeting at Mahore to review the election preparations for Assembly Constituency- 56 Gulabgarh (ST).
The DEO directed concerned departments to ensure all facilities are available and appropriate arrangements are put in place
During the meeting, the DEO reviewed the deployment of polling staff, transportation plans, and voter facilitation measures, emphasizing the importance of flawless execution on Election Day. He instructed essential services department to ensure all basic facilities are available 24/7.
Returning Officer-56, Mazahir Hussain, presented a detailed briefing on the preparations, highlighting the steps taken to ensure a smooth and fair election.
The DEO directed health officers to provide ASHA workers with healthcare kits at polling stations on polling day. He also instructed that vehicles displaying party flags should have their permissions checked. Additionally, the DEO emphasized the need for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to work closely with polling staff to ensure smooth operations at polling stations on Election Day.
Other officers present during the meeting were RO AC-56 Mazahir Hussain, SDM Dharmari Tariq Aziz, XENs of various departments and other concerned officials.
Home Voting begins in all six assembly segments in Kathua District
KATHUA: The process of Home Voting for the Assembly Elections commenced today across all six constituencies of Kathua District, utilizing postal ballots to ensure accessibility. This initiative, a first for the J&K Assembly Elections, specifically targets voters aged 85 and above, as well as individuals with benchmark disabilities, as per the provisions set by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The Home Voting process will continue until September 21, 2024. To ensure smooth operations, dedicated staff members, including polling personnel, micro-observers, and reserve teams, have been deployed in various clusters within the constituencies. A significant number of eligible home voters, including those categorized as AVSC (Absentee Voters in Category of Senior Citizens) and AVPD (Absentee Voters with Disabilities), have been identified by the district administration.
District Election Officer Dr. Rakesh Minhas emphasized the administration’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity and transparency, stating, "Our goal is 100% voter participation, ensuring that every eligible voter can exercise their franchise."
The entire process is being conducted under the supervision of ECI-appointed election observers and senior officials, with micro-observers ensuring transparency and accountability. The administration is focused on maintaining stringent security measures and upholding the integrity of the electoral process throughout this initiative.
Earlier today, special polling teams visited the homes of eligible voters, enabling them to cast their votes from the comfort of their residences while maintaining proper procedure and secrecy.
A highlight of the program was a scintillating art exhibition which added a colour to the mega event.
The SVEEP programme concluded with a strong appeal to the public to engage actively in the upcoming assembly elections in the six assembly constituencies of the district on Oct 1, reaffirming that every vote contributes to the shaping of the district's future.
