DEO Budgam chairs meeting to Assess Election Preparedness for Bye-Elections to 27-AC Budgam

• “District Administration Budgam is fully committed to conducting free, fair, and transparent bye-elections to 27-Budgam Assembly Constituency”: Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din

BUDGAM: In view of the upcoming Bye-Elections to the 27-Budgam Assembly Constituency, the District Election Officer (DEO)  Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat  today chaired a detailed and comprehensive review meeting with all designated Nodal Officers and key officials at the New Conference Hall, DC Office Complex Budgam. The meeting was convened to meticulously assess the district’s preparedness for ensuring a smooth, transparent, and fully inclusive electoral process.

The meeting witnessed the participation of senior officials, including ADC Budgam, ASP Budgam, RO 27-AC Budgam, CPO Budgam, CEO, CMO, Deputy Election Officer, and all other election nodal officers, along with Flying Squad Teams (FSTs) and Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs). The deliberations focused on every aspect of election management, in strict compliance with the guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The DEO underscored that meticulous planning, close inter-departmental coordination, and real-time monitoring are crucial to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections. The meeting covered preparedness across multiple dimensions, including law and order, enforcement of Model Code of Conduct, welfare of polling personnel, SVEEP activities, transport management, logistics, material readiness, accessibility for differently-abled persons, staff training, health contingencies, and IT applications.

The Key highlights of the meeting include Electoral Rolls & Voter Registration in which the DEO reviewed the progress under the Special Summary Revision 2024, noting that house-to-house verification has been successfully completed across all polling areas. Additions, deletions, and corrections were thoroughly verified, and EPIC (Electoral Photo Identity Card) issuance has been completed for all newly enrolled voters.

Officials highlighted that accuracy of the rolls is being maintained to ensure that no eligible voter is left unregistered. Under the SVEEP initiative, the district has achieved 100% EPIC saturation for the 1.25 lakh voters of 27-AC Budgam. Ongoing voter education campaigns were highlighted, including door-to-door awareness drives in residential areas, youth registration campaigns in colleges led by Campus Ambassadors, and focused outreach programs for women, marginalized communities, persons with disabilities, and third-gender voters.

Voter registration camps are being conducted at polling stations for on-the-spot inclusion, reinforcing the message of “No Voter to be Left Behind.” The meeting confirmed that there are a total of 173 polling stations across the constituency, including urban and rural segments, covering 111 polling locations. All polling stations will be equipped with electricity, water supply, toilets, ramps, and appropriate signage boards.

Complete accessibility for persons with disabilities has been ensured, with dedicated volunteers assigned for assistance. Special polling stations for women, youth, PWD, and green polling were also discussed in detail. DEO was apprised that all Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units have been rigorously tested, stored, and sealed under ECI protocols. A total of 8% of the machines have been earmarked for training purposes to ensure polling personnel are fully familiar with their operation and can conduct the polling process efficiently, avoiding procedural errors.

Training programs for Booth Level Officers, Presiding Officers, Micro Observers, and other election staff have been designed and will be conducted under the supervision of State, District, and Assembly Level Master Trainers (SLMTs, DLMTs, and ALMTs) to ensure operational excellence. DEO emphasised strict adherence to training protocols, practical hands-on sessions, and thorough evaluation to ensure that all personnel are fully prepared for their responsibilities.

The meeting reviewed deployment strategies, preventive measures, and arms deposition drives. The ASP Budgam presented detailed proactive steps to prevent any form of electoral malpractice or inducement. The functioning of the Expenditure Monitoring Cell, coordination with Flying Squads, Static Surveillance Teams, and Accounting Teams were reviewed, emphasizing strict monitoring of campaign expenditure and route surveillance in line with ECI norms.

Regarding accessibility & Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF), the DEO directed the School Education and other concerned departments to ensure that all polling stations meet AMF standards, including accessibility for PWDs, provision of ramps, signage, drinking water, electricity, and toilets, ensuring a comfortable and secure experience for all voters.

DIO NIC Budgam informed regarding the use of IT applications such as ETPBS (Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System), cVIGIL, and ENCORE, which enable real-time monitoring, grievance redressal, and enhanced transparency during the elections. DEO stressed that leveraging technology is crucial for timely reporting, quick decision-making, and ensuring transparency across all election processes.

He reiterated that successful election management depends on inter-departmental coordination, proactive supervision, citizen-friendly facilitation, and strict adherence to ECI guidelines and timelines. He directed all nodal officers to maintain round-the-clock monitoring, sustain operational momentum, and ensure the highest standards of accountability and transparency.

He reaffirmed that the District Administration Budgam is fully prepared & committed to conduct free, fair, participative, and peaceful Bye-Elections to the 27-Budgam Assembly Constituency, reflecting the Election Commission’s commitment to the principle of “No Voter to be left behind.