JAMMU/SRINAGAR: As Jammu & Kashmir gears up for the upcoming elections, various districts are actively engaging in essential preparations to ensure a smooth and transparent polling process. The first scrutiny of expense registers was conducted for 11 Assembly Constituencies in Jammu District, while polling staff in Handwara underwent EVM and VVPAT training. Rajouri has ramped up surveillance to prevent MCC violations and maintain law and order. Additionally, awareness programs under SVEEP were organized in educational institutions across Ramnagar, Bari, and Ladana. In Ban, a human chain and slogan-shouting energized the public, igniting enthusiasm for polling day.
First Scrutiny of expenses registers conducted for 11 ACs of Jammu District
JAMMU: Amidst the fervor of the ongoing electoral season, Jammu District Assembly Constituencies (ACs) witnessed first inspection of day-to-day expenses register of the contesting candidates by Expenditure Observers, Amaresh Kumar Tiwari, B.K. Vishnu Priya and Gayatri M, besides Nodal Officer for Expenditure Monitoring, Yasir Sharief.
All Assistant Expenditure Observers were also present during the inspection. Of the 109 candidates contesting for 11 Assembly Constituencies (ACs), only 61 candidates or their election agents were present for the first inspection. The absence of the candidates was communicated to them through notices by the concerned Returning Officers.
In the course of inspection, the discrepancies were observed between day-to-day expenses register and the shadow observation register of 19 candidates. They same were communicated to the contesting candidates through notices by the concerned Returning Officers.
Candidates were asked to maintain accurate and detailed records of their campaign expenditures to uphold the integrity of democratic process.
Expenditure Observer, Amaresh Kumar Tiwari, B.K. Vishnu Priya and Gayatri M. echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the critical role of robust monitoring mechanisms in safeguarding the fairness and credibility of elections. “Our primary objective is to ensure that electoral expenditures are conducted transparently and in accordance with established guidelines,” they remarked.
The communication of identified irregularities was conveyed to candidates, which serve as a call to action, urging them to rectify the discrepancies and adhere strictly to electoral expenditure regulations.
EVM,VVPAT training imparted to Polling Staff at Handwara
HANDWARA: In order to ensure smooth polling, EVM, VVPAT training programme was organized by the District Election Officer Kupwara at Environment Hall, Handwara.
The training programme was presided over by Additional Deputy Commissioner, (ADC), Handwara, Aziz Ahmad Rather who is also Returning Officer, (RO)AC- 05 Handwara. The training was imparted in two sessions by Syed Mohammad Farooq Geelani and Syed Saqib Geelani DLMTs.
A total of 240 employees were given training in two sessions wherein they were made acquainted with the operation of EVM, VVPAT and documentation process. Additional focus was laid on documentation so the staff doesn't face any problem while submitting the papers.
Rajouri steps up surveillance to keep check on MCC violations, maintain Law & Order
RAJOURI: To keep close check on violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and maintain law and order situation during the General Elections to the Legislative Assembly, the Election Authorities have asked enforcement departments and police to step up surveillance mechanism across the Border District Rajouri.
After thorough deliberation here at a meeting, the Sector Magistrates, Police Sector Officers, and FST heads were instructed to increase patrolling in their respective areas and hold regular meetings with local leaders to identify potential troublemakers. Any such persons must be identified at least 72 hours before polling day, with information shared with Returning Officers and this office.
The instructions were issued by Rajeev Kumar Khajuria, Additional Deputy Commissioner (District Nodal Officer for MCC/Law and Order), Rajouri, who was chairing the meeting.
Attendees included Sector Magistrates, Police Sector Officers and Heads of Flying Squads (FSTs) from the Assembly Constituencies identified as vulnerable due to past incidents of rigging, booth capturing and violence.
Besides this, the Sector Magistrates were directed to take immediate preventive actions, including executing bonds from individuals involved in past incidents of rigging, booth capturing, or violence. Officials were also tasked with raising awareness about the Election Commission of India's strict stance on duplicate voting. Persons indulging in Proxy voting practices will face severe consequences.
Sector Magistrates and Police Sector Officers were instructed to tour their areas regularly, ensuring no law and order breaches occur. “Any potential threats must be addressed in advance, and timely reports must be submitted. Officials were also urged to be well-versed with the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and the Representation of People Act to handle complaints effectively and ensure peaceful elections.
Special attention was directed towards Sector Magistrates in border areas, including Nowshera, Laroka, Bhawani, Chowki Handan, and Ben Pattan. They were asked to maintain strict vigilance on vehicle movements near the Line of Control (LoC) through regular surprise checks. Sector Magistrates were asked to identify polling stations with approaches through nearby houses or shops, which may be prone to violence, and report these to the Returning Officer for necessary action.
SVEEP programme organised at GDC Ramnagar, GHS Bari and Ladana
RAMNAGAR: A series of colorful awareness programmes under SVEEP were today organized at Govt Degree College Ramnagar and two other schools in the region under the guidance of Returning Officer Rafiq Ahmad Jaral.
At GDC, the programme was attended by the college students and local voters and BAG members. The students, through colorful and impactful performances, spread the message of informed and active electoral participation.
The activities included Mehandi competition, poster making, Tug of war and skits. The students also delivered thought-provoking speeches on the importance of exercising their right to vote.
The programme concluded with the powerful speeches on the electoral participation by Dr Pankaj Saraswat and Dr Jeevan Kumar. Meanwhile, a series of vibrant and voter engaging SVEEP activities were organized today at Government High Schools Bari and Ladana, under the supervision of the Returning Officer Rafiq Ahmad Jaral.
A team of officials comprising Dogri Artist and SVEEP icon Subash Brahamanu and Arvind Brahamanu headed by SVEEP Nodal Officer Lecturer Rakesh Kumar organised captivating activities and engaged the voters especially new and future voters through engaging cultural performances and powerful speeches. These events saw the active participation of around 450 people including students and other local voters of Bari and Ladana.
Human Chain, slogans ignite enthusiasm for polling Day in Bani
KATHUA: An impactful awareness activity was today conducted at the Government Higher Secondary School Bani, as part of the Systematic Voter Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) initiative. The event, hosted under the guidance of RO Gias ul Haq (SDM),was aimed to raise voter awareness ahead of the upcoming election on 1st October 2024.
In a display of unity and enthusiasm, students of the school formed a human chain representing the date of voting, creatively urging the community to cast their votes. The students also raised impactful slogans, spreading the message of voter participation in a clear and resonant manner to sensitize the local electorate.
The event was graced by the presence of ARO Bani (63) Predhyum Atri and BDO Bani Rajesh Padha, who attended as special guests. Both commended the efforts of the students and staff in promoting this important democratic responsibility.
Speaking at the event, the ARO expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all participants and emphasized the significance of such activities in fostering an informed and responsible voter base. He highlighted the crucial role these initiatives play in enhancing voter turnout and strengthening the democratic fabric of society. The event concluded with a resounding call to action, encouraging all eligible voters to exercise their right to vote on 1st October 2024
