JAMMU/SRINAGAR: As Jammu & Kashmir approaches polling season, various districts are ramping up their preparations to ensure smooth and transparent elections. In Bandipora, the District Election Officer (DEO) held a meeting with Zonal and Sectoral Magistrates, while Expenditure Observers, along with State Excise and Central GST authorities, toured Shopian to monitor election readiness. The Police Observer in Shopian also met with local magistrates and police officers to ensure security protocols are in place.
In Anantnag, Expenditure Observers inspected election expenditure registers, and voter awareness programs under SVEEP were held in Ganderbal’s nomadic pastures to encourage maximum participation. DEO Shopian further urged first-time voters and youth to vote in large numbers, promising to felicitate those who report first to polling stations on election day.
DEO Bandipora chairs meeting cum interactive session with Zonal, Sectoral Magistrates
Bandipora: In preprations for the upcoming Assembly Elections 2024, the District Election Officer (DEO) Bandipora, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, today convened a meeting cum interactive session with Zonal and Sectoral Magistrates deployed for election related duties.
The meeting was aimed to equip all involved officials with the necessary knowledge and strategies to uphold the standards of the electoral process and ensure a successful Assembly Election.
Speaking on the occasion, DEO M. A. Qadri emphasised the essential role of impartiality and strict adherence to the guidelines set by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
He urged all officials to maintain impartiality while performing election-related duties, stating that It is crucial that each one performs duty without bias upholding the highest standards of professionalism and fairness.
He underscored the importance of the magistrates performing their duties with integrity to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
During the meeting, ADC/ Nodal Officer Model Code of Conduct (MCC), Zaffar Husson Shawal, detailed the responsibilities of the magistrates. He highlighted key duties such as inspecting Assured Minimum Facilities at polling stations, managing poll day reporting, and ensuring thorough familiarization with ECI guidelines.
ACR/RO 15 - Bandipora reinforced the necessity for proper coordination of zonal and sectoral magistrates with sector police officers and poll staff to maintain smooth electoral operations.
The event also included a comprehensive training session that covered pre-poll and poll day roles, with a focus on law and order, complaint management, and overall coordination to ensure the efficient handling of the election process.
Expenditure Observer along with State Excise, Central GST authorities Conducted extensive tour across Shopian ahead of polls
Shopian: A day-long inspection was carried out in District Shopian under the guidance of Expenditure Observer, Nelapatla Ashok Babu, in collaboration with Excise and CGST authorities, focusing on the seizure of illegal cash, illicit liquor, drugs, narcotics, and gifts or freebies potentially intended for voter inducement.
During the visit, the Expenditure Observer emphasized the need for rigorous checks in sensitive areas, including Fruit Mandi Aglar covering the Cold Storages, warehouses, and all the entry and exit points of the district.
This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to prevent the misuse of illegal substances and incentives in the electoral process.
The Expenditure Observer directed the concerned agencies to enhance vigilance and take proactive measures to ensure a fair and transparent election environment. The briefings underscored the importance of continuous monitoring to deter any form of electoral malpractice.
Superintendent of CGST, Srinagar Division and Excise Inspectors participated in the daylong actions throughout Shopian and Zainapora Assembly Constituencies.
Police Observer Shopian hold meeting with Zonal, Sectoral Magistrates, Police Officers
Shopian: Police Observer, Shopian, Ravi D Channannavar today held a joint meeting of Zonal & Sectoral Magistrates besides Police Officers to ensure seamless coordination and preparedness for the smooth conduct of free and fair elections in the district in presence of DEO Shopian and SSP Shopian.
The Observer emphasized the crucial role played by these officers as the vital link between polling parties and the Returning Officer (RO) and DEO.
The Observer outlined their responsibilities, which include overseeing the movement of polling parties from dispatch centres to polling stations, ensuring the safe arrival of polling teams, reporting on poll day activities, monitoring mock polls and managing the deployment of reserve EVMs if needed.
Detailed instructions were given regarding their specific roles and responsibilities. Key points covered included poll day protocols, such as mock poll as per guidelines, start of poll and the strict observance of the Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines.
DEO Shopian, Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar on the occasion reminded officers to monitor the polling process closely, especially the implementation of multiple checks and balances, such as EVM and VVPAT testing and the reporting of any issues immediately.
Sector Magistrates were tasked with ensuring that no polling party is delayed and that all materials are deposited and accounted for correctly.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Anayat Ali also addressed the gathering, detailing the deployment of police personnel across zones and sectors. He highlighted the collaboration between civil and police officers to maintain law and order during the elections and underscored the importance of adhering to security protocols to safeguard the electoral process.
- DEO Shopian briefs media on polling arrangements in the district
- Urges voters of Shopian, first-time Voters, youth to participate in large numbers
Shopian: The District Election Officer, Shopian, Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar today briefed the media of the district, representing regional and national media organisations on the election preparedness in the district. During the briefing, the DEO highlighted the efforts made to ensure high voter mobilization and turnout.
Special attention has been given to security arrangements, with detailed plans in place to guarantee a safe and secure polling environment for all voters, he said while addressing the media.
The DEO gave an overview of initiatives under the SVEEP program, aimed at enhancing voter awareness and encouraging active participation, particularly among first-time voters and youth.
The DEO further informed the media regarding special polling stations, managed by PwD, Youth &women, and facilities to ensure their comfort and ease of voting.
He also informed about the Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) at polling stations, specifically to assist new voters and those requiring additional support.
In his appeal to the people of Shopian, the DEO urged all eligible voters, especially first-time voters and youth, to seize this opportunity to choose the best representatives for the district by coming out in large numbers on polling day and making their voices heard.
Expenditure Observers Conduct Inspection of Election Expenditure Registers in Anantnag
Anantnag: The Election Expenditure Observers for Anantnag district, Tamil Selvam and Vinay Kumar Arya along with the District Treasury Officer (Nodal Officer Election Expenditure Management Committee) Mohammad Akram conducted the final inspection of the expenditure registers for all contesting candidates in the ongoing General Assembly elections.
The review meeting took place at Dak Bunglow Khanabal, in the presence of senior officials and representatives of contesting candidates ensuring transparency and adherence to election expenditure norms.
This review is part of the ongoing efforts to ensure accountability in the electoral process. A team of senior officials, including the Nodal Officer of the Expenditure Monitoring Cell, 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 observers emphasized the importance of strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and the regulations laid out by the ECI and compliance with these norms is essential. Polling for the Assembly Constituencies in District Anantnag is scheduled for 18th September as part of the first phase of polling in Jammu & Kashmir.
Voter awareness program under SVEEP held at Nomadic pastures of Chaturgul Ganderbal
GANDERBAL: The SVEEP team Ganderbal organized a highly successful outreach programme at Nomadic Pasture Mahlish and Tokdi on high mountains of Chaturgul. This initiative aimed to boost voter awareness and participation among tribal communities.
The event, conducted with the supervision of the District Nodal Officer (DNO) SVEEP, saw active involvement from the Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) Kangan and the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) ICDS Kangan.
Their participation was instrumental in engaging with the local community and ensuring the smooth execution of the programme. A noteworthy highlight of the outreach was the significant enthusiasm demonstrated by tribal female voters.
Their proactive engagement and eagerness to participate in the upcoming elections underscored the effectiveness of the SVEEP initiatives in fostering electoral awareness and encouraging voter participation.
The SVEEP team extends its gratitude to all stakeholders and participants who contributed to the success of this outreach programme. The commitment shown by the tribal community reaffirms the importance of continued voter education efforts and the role they play in strengthening democratic processes.
DEO Shopian to felicitate first time voters, voters who report first at Polling stations on Polling Day
SHOPIAN: In order to ensure enhanced voter mobilisation on the Poll Day for better voting turnouts across Shopian Assembly Constituency, the District Election Officer Shopian has decided to felicitate voters.
Those voters who report first at their polling stations in the morning and first time voters will be awarded with appreciation certificates and a gift voucher by the Presiding Officers at the Polling stations.
Pertinent to mention that during the recently concluded electoral summary revision, an addition of around 1850 new voters have been made in the Constituency and all these new voters who are going to cast their first-time vote will be thanked through an appreciation certificate.
All arrangements have been made for the smooth execution of the initiative. The measure has been taken to celebrate the polling Day as a day of great joy and happiness to instill a positive sense of feeling about the participation in the democratic setup.
This follows the guidance of General Observer, Shopian, Roohi Khan and the efficient execution of Returning Officer, Shopian, Shakoor Ahmad Dar. This novel initiative is a small gesture from the administration to express gratitude towards the voters most committed on the day.
