JAMMU/SRINAGAR: In the run-up to the upcoming elections, Jammu & Kashmir's election authorities are intensifying efforts to ensure smooth electoral processes and maximum voter participation. The CEO launched the "Voters' Pledge" campaign under SVEEP, urging voters to take a pledge and download a 'Certificate of Commitment.' Key electoral preparedness activities include reviewing arrangements for migrant voters, postal ballots, home voting, and ensuring adherence to ECI guidelines. Training for polling staff, inspection of counting centers, and unique SVEEP rallies are among the efforts to enhance voter engagement and ensure a seamless election process across the region.
- CEO launches Voters’ Pledge campaign under SVEEP
- ‘Urges electorate to take Voters’ Pledge, download ‘Certificate of Commitment’
JAMMU: In a significant stride towards fostering a culture of responsibility among the electorate, Office of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), J&K has launched a Voters’ Pledge campaign ahead of the J&K Assembly Election 2024, with an aim to increase the voter turnout across the UT.
The campaign was launched under SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation), a flagship programme of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to promote voter education and participation in elections commencing on 18 September, 2024 across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Voters’ Pledge campaign aims to inspire all the citizens of J&K UT to endorse the initiative and pledge their unwavering support to actively participate in the upcoming Assembly Elections.
The voters who wish to create their Voters’ Pledge certificate can click on the link SVEEPjk.in and follow some simple steps to download a ‘Certificate of Commitment’, duly signed by CEO, Pandurang K Pole, which includes the name of the voter, name of his/her Assembly Constituency including the certificate number.
The particular voter has to enter his/her name and select the Assembly Constituency to which they belong and then in the final step they have to validate himself/herself and submit the details.
After this a new web link with the certificate of the voter will appear from where they can download it.
Speaking on the occasion, the CEO urged the electorate across J&K to visit SVEEPjk.in and take the Voters Pledge and download their ‘Certificate of Commitment’.
Those who were present on the occasion included, Akther Hussain Qazi, Nodal officer of SVEEP J&K; Sapna Kotwal, Nodal Officer for Media J&K; Principal Dr S P Sarawat; Hemant Vaid OSD Media and SVEEP; Siddheshwar Bhagat, Scientist NIC and officials of Jammu Smart City.
Dr. Karwani reviews arrangements for migrant voters at Udhampur
UDHAMPUR: Relief & Rehabilitation Commissioner (M), Dr. Arvind Karwani, today took stock of the arrangements being put in place for facilitation of Kashmiri migrant voters at Udhampur for upcoming General Elections to the Legislative Assembly.
Dr Karwani accompanied by Tanveer-Ul Majid Wani, Assistant Returning Officer(M) Udhampur and Raj Kumar, Zonal Officer Udhampur and other officials, visited the Government Industrial Training Institute Udhampur, venue of Special Polling Station for Kashmiri migrant voters.
He was apprised about the arrangements in place for distribution and collection of polling material/EVMs and also the arrangements being put in place for counting of votes.
Dr Karwani emphasized on ensuring all the requisite Assured Minimum Facilities(AMF) for voters like permanent ramps, drinking water, toilet facilities as per norms of Election Commission of India.
Zonal Officer and his staff was directed to reach out to the voters, keeping in view the scattered population of the migrants in the non-camp areas.
Dr. Karwani also interacted with the polling staff and asked them to strictly follow the laid down instructions /guidelines to ensure free, fair and impartial polling.
Pertinent to mention that the 16 Assembly constituencies of South Kashmir districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian and Kulgam are going to polls on 18th September , for the purpose of which Special Polling Stations for Kashmiri migrant voters have been set up in Jammu, Udhampur and Delhi. The Special Polling Stations at Jammu and Udhampur have been mapped to the Camps/Zones individually, ensuring that every Zone has atleast one special polling station.
The intra-zonal jurisdiction for each such polling station has been earmarked keeping in mind the distance/ease of approach for each set of electors. Free transportation facility is also being provided to the voters from certain designated locations to the polling stations and back, keeping in consideration the scattered population of Kashmiri migrants.
Similar arrangements have been put in place for the 2nd phase of polling on 25th September ( Central Kashmir districts of Srinagar, Budgam) and for the 3rd phase of polling on 1st October ( North Kashmir districts of Ganderbal, Bandipora, Baramulla and Kupwara).
- DEO Bandipora Reviews Arrangements for Postal Ballot, Home Voting, Counting Centre
- Ensure every voter has access to the facilities they need as per ECI guidelines: DEO
BANDIPORA: The District Election Officer Bandipora Manzoor Ahmad Qadri on Monday chaired a meeting at Mini Secretariat to review the arrangements for postal Ballot and Home Voting in the district and Counting Centre.
The DEO took detailed assessment of arrangements for Home voting, facilities for service voters, Postal Voting Centre, PB facilitation Centre, migrant voting and other necessary measure besides also assessed the counting arrangements.
Nodal officer postal ballot and Home voting Mehraj wani briefed the chair regarding arrangements made so far. He said, 12 D-forms have been received from all three constituencies and facilitation centers will be set up at the RO level in three constituencies of District to streamline the postal voting process and ensure that all procedures are carried out smoothly.
He informed that for 15- Bandipora AC 106 PWD voters and 134 senior citizens above 85 years of age have opted for home voting. Likewise for 14-Sonawari AC 158 PWD and 144 Senior citizens have opted for Home voting and for 16-Gurez 09 PWD voters and 03 senior citizens have opted for Home voting.
He further informed that all the arrangements are in place to facilitate postal ballot for essential service voters. Addressing the participants, DEO M. A. Qadri emphasised on proper coordination of all concerned to ensure that voting procedures are executed smoothly and efficiently besides ensuring a transparent and inclusive electoral process.
He directed the concerned to make sure that every voter has access to the facilities they need, and that the electoral process is conducted with the utmost transparency and efficiency upholding the integrity of the election and ensure that all procedures are executed as per ECI guidelines.
Reviewing the counting arrangements, the DEO emphasised to ensure that counting centres are adequately equipped with all necessary resources, including security and technical support, to facilitate a smooth and accurate counting process.
Among others the meeting was attended by ADC/Nodal Officer MCC Zaffar Husson Shawal, DyDEO Mohammad Rafeeq Bhat, RO 15-Bandipora Shabir Ahmad Wani, RO 14-Sonawari Murtaza Ahmad Sheikh, ACD /Nodal Officer EVM Irfan Bahadur, Election Nodal Officers and other concerned.
Election Observers for District B'la chair a meeting to review electoral preparedness
BARAMULLA: Designated Election Observers for Baramulla, Aparna U, Killu Siva Kumar Naidu, Kuldeep Narayan, Shri Ujjwal Kumar, Sidlingappa Teli, and Prakash Borgohain jointly chaired a comprehensive meeting of officers at Dak Bunglow here to review the preparation for Assembly Elections 2024 in District Baramulla.
The meeting was attended by the District Election Officer, Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, Nodal Officer Election, Syed Qamar Sajad, Superintendent of Police Sopore, Divya Dev, Returning Officers (ROs) of all the 7 Assembly Constituencies, Nodal officers, Sector Magistrates, AROs of all assembly constituencies, election officials, and other concerned officers.
During the meeting, the observers were comprehensively briefed by the DEO Baramulla regarding the various arrangements implemented by the administration to facilitate the smooth conduct of the electoral process during the 2024 assembly elections.
Among other facets, the discussion encompassed the meticulous assessment of logistical requirements, a manpower management plan, a transportation plan for carrying polling staff and security personnel, and the implementation of robust security arrangements.
Speaking during the meeting, the observers directed the ROs, AROs, and all the stakeholders involved in the election process to create a conducive environment and ensure that all necessary measures are taken to encourage and facilitate widespread participation from the community in the electoral process.
The observers further instructed the officers to remain vigilant and work around the clock to prevent the spread of any misinformation or fake news on social media.
Election Observers for B'la Review arrangements at designated counting centres, functioning of MCMC
BARAMULLA: Designated Election Observers for Baramulla Aparna U, Killu Siva Kumar Naidu, Kuldeep Narayan, Ujjwal Kumar, Sidlingappa Teli and Prakash Borgohain today conducted a thorough inspection of the counting centre and strong rooms designated for district Baramulla at the indoor sports stadium in Baramulla.
During the inspection, the observers reviewed the facilities and arrangements at the counting center and the strong room to guarantee a smooth and transparent counting process.
The observers further conducted a thorough inspection to ensure the robust security measures, CCTVs, availability of power supply, implementation of fire safety measures, and other facilities, all aimed at ensuring a smooth counting process with no hassle.
Later, the Election Observers for Baramulla, accompanied by District Election Officer (DEO) Minga Sherpa, visited the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) and Media Centre at the District Information Office today. The team conducted a thorough inspection of the facilities to ensure smooth and transparent operations during the election process.
DEO Minga Sherpa reiterated the significance of maintaining transparency and media vigilance during the electoral process. He emphasized that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the free and fair conduct of elections in Baramulla district, with the active involvement of the media playing a crucial role in this effort.
During the visit, the District Information Officer briefed the Election Observers and the DEO on the functioning of the MCMC and Media Centre. The officer explained the mechanisms for monitoring election-related media coverage, verifying the certification of political advertisements, and ensuring compliance with the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) guidelines.
He also highlighted the steps taken to handle real-time media queries and streamline the dissemination of accurate election-related information to the public.
- Election Training imparted to reserve polling staff at GDC Shopian
- DEO inspects Training Centres; urges staff to perform election duties with utmost dedication
SHOPIAN: The District Election Officer (DEO) Shopian, Mohammad Shahid Saleem today visited the Polling Staff Training Centre at the GDC Shopian to monitor the quality training being provided to reserve polling staff, especially in preparation for elections.
The visit was the part of the administration's efforts to ensure that Polling staff are well-prepared to handle their responsibilities effectively on election day.
He also took stock of overall readiness of all staff including reserve staff, who are kept on standby to replace any Polling personnel unable to perform their duties.
The training sessions included briefings and demonstrations on EVM management and operations, conducting of mock polls besides pre- poll and poll-days activities.The master trainers highlighted the critical role of polling staff in upholding the credibility of the election. ADDC, Shopian, Dr. Nasir Ahmed Lone, Nodal Officer, Training, Manzoor Ahmad and other concerned were present in the occasion.
Unique SVEEP Rallies held at Shopian for enhancing voter mobilisation
SHOPIAN: SVEEP (Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation) rallies were held today at Hermain and Sedow areas of the district to promote voter awareness and increase mobilisation in view of the approaching polling day.
One of these rallies included a unique Umbrella Rally, organized by the Nodal Officer, SVEEP which witnessed an overwhelming response from children, local residents, and staff members who carried SVEEP Slogans for voter awareness and participation.
Announcements emphasizing the importance of voting and need for people to register their franchise on the voting day were highlighted throughout the march.
Similarly, a Horse Rally was also organised by Nodal Officer SVEEP in the Sedow area of Shopian, emphasising on voter mobilisation. Themes promoting a responsible, transparent, and vibrant democracy was the focus of today's activities.
- Final Randomisation for polling staff held at Shopian
- Polling parties & Micro observers allotted to 251 Polling stations
SHOPIAN: The 3rd & final randomisation of the polling staff designated for deployment across the polling stations for the General Assembly Elections-2024 was held today at Shopian.
The randomisation took place under the supervision of General Observer for 36-Zainapora Assembly Constituency (AC), Jeevan Babu K, and General Observer for 37-Shopian AC, Roohi Khan and in presence of District Election Officer (DEO), Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar, and respective Returning Officers (ROs) and Nodal Officers.
As per the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) guidelines, the randomisation was carried out using software to generate polling parties for all 251 Polling stations of the district;129 parties for Zainapora AC and 122 for Shopian AC.
Polling parties were also allotted to Women, PwD and Youth managed polling stations of both ACs besides, micro observers were also allotted to 194 locations of both ACs.
Reserve polling staff for all polling stations including special polling stations and reserve micro observers were also randomised and shall be placed on stand-by at district and tehsil headquarters to replace the main parties in case of any eventuality during the pre-poll or poll day.
GHHS Keller, GHHS Vehil, GHSS Ramnagri and Ranjoor Memorial HSS, Keegam have been identified in Shopian AC while as GHHS Zainapora, GHSS Chitragam, GHSS Barbugh,GHSS Ramnagri and GHSS Herman have been identified in Zainapora AC as stand-by stations for reserve polling parties.
These parties were then allocated to their respective polling stations, ensuring fairness and impartiality in the deployment process. The Observors also reviewed the measures taken for the welfare of polling parties including the provision of refreshments.
The webcasting of polling stations was also assessed by the Observers and instructions passed to ensure live web casting throughout the poll for proper monitoring.
