Jammu and Kashmir boosts election preparedness with SVEEP activities, enforcement checks, and voter engagement initiatives across districts

SRINAGAR/JAMMU: As the 2024 Assembly Elections approach, Jammu and Kashmir intensifies efforts to ensure fair and inclusive voting through various initiatives. Expenditure Observers conducted surprise checks of Flying Squad Teams (FSTs) and Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs) in Karnah, Trehgam, and Kupwara Assembly Constituencies to strengthen monitoring. In Ganderbal, a candlelight march was organized to promote voter empowerment under the SVEEP program, while Kulgam continues to engage citizens through dynamic voter awareness drives. DEO Rajouri reviewed measures to bolster the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) enforcement, and postal ballot voting was held in Ramban, emphasizing the commitment to inclusive participation. Voter engagement activities also took center stage at the Tehsil office in Nagri, showcasing the administration's dedication to mobilizing voters across the Union Territory.

Expenditure Observer conducted surprised checks of FSTs, SSTs of Karnah, Trehgam, Kupwara ACs

KUPWARA: Gargi Umrao, Expenditure Observer for Assembly Constituencies of Kupwara, Trehgam and Karnah of district Kupwara today conducted surprise checks of all the three FST's and SST's and 1 VST of AC-Kupwara. 

 She checked the registries of all the teams and enquired about any unusual activities, siezures etc.  She also emphasized upon the teams to be vigilant throughout the election duration and report all the unusual activities immediately, if any.

District Administration Ganderbal organises Candlelight March for voter empowerment under SVEEP

GANDERBAL: In a continued effort to educate and empower voters, the District Administration Ganderbal, under the leadership of District Election Officer Shyambir, organized a Candlelight March to promote voter awareness and participation.

The march, part of the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program, aimed at encouraging the public to exercise their right to vote and make informed decisions for the future of the nation.

The candlelight march witnessed enthusiastic participation from various sections of society, including students, civil society members, and government officials, symbolizing the collective commitment to the democratic process. 

With candles in hand, the participants took the march from the GBHSS Manigam which culminated at the Wayil bridge, underscoring the message of the significance of every vote in shaping a brighter future.

District Election Officer emphasized the need for active voter participation, stating, the power to shape the direction of our country lies in the hands of its citizens. 

The SVEEP program continues to engage locals in the district through various outreach initiatives, with the goal of achieving higher voter turnout and fostering a more informed voting population.

As the election approaches, the District Administration urges all eligible voters to verify their details in the voter list, ensure their registration, and most importantly, turn out to vote on election day.

SVEEP initiatives continue in full swing at Kulgam

KULGAM: As part of the ongoing Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) campaign, various initiatives have been launched in Kulgam to encourage voter participation. 

The district witnessed enthusiastic efforts to engage and inspire voters, with colorful balloons released into the sky symbolizing the spirit of democracy. A series of awareness programs, painting competitions, and sports activities were organized under the SVEEP campaign to foster civic responsibility among citizens. 

These activities were aimed at educating the public, especially youth and first-time voters, about the importance of exercising their voting rights. The outreach events gained widespread support  ensuring that the message of electoral participation reaches every corner of Kulgam. Under the initiative an awareness programme was also held at Kilam Kulgam.

DEO Rajouri reviews measures for strengthening MCC enforcement

RAJOURI: In a significant step towards ensuring the smooth conduct of the upcoming Assembly Elections 2024, District Election Officer (DEO), Abhishek Sharma, chaired a meeting with Tehsildars and Naib Tehsildars, here today to review the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and election preparedness in the district.

During the meeting, the DEO emphasized the critical role of Tehsildars and Naib Tehsildars in enforcing the MCC and ensuring fair, transparent and peaceful elections. He directed the officers to remain vigilant and ensure that the MCC is strictly adhered to by all political parties and candidates, preventing any violations that could disrupt the electoral process. He urged the officers to take prompt and decisive action in cases of any breach.

The DEO also highlighted the importance of the proper functioning of the Static Surveillance Teams (SST) and Flying Squad Teams (FST), tasked with monitoring the movement of cash, liquor, and other items intended to unduly influence voters. The officers were instructed to ensure round-the-clock monitoring and report any suspicious activities immediately to the district control room.

Further, the DEO laid stress on maintaining law and order across the district during the election period. He called for close coordination with law enforcement agencies to prevent any incidents of violence or disruption and to create an atmosphere conducive to peaceful voting.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Rajouri, Rajiv Sharma, who was also present in the meeting, assured full support from the district administration in implementing the directions. He reiterated the need for active collaboration among different departments and officials to ensure the successful execution of election duties.

Tehsildars and Naib Tehsildars shared their field-level updates and discussed critical issues regarding enforcement of the MCC.  The DEO assured them of full support and provided solutions to address any logistical or operational issues. The meeting concluded with the DEO urging all officers to work with dedication and responsibility in the weeks leading up to the elections, ensuring that Rajouri district witnesses free, fair, and peaceful elections.

Postal Ballot voting held in Ramban District

RAMBAN: The postal ballot voting was held held here today as per the protocol prescribed by the Election Commission of India.  As many as 1,595 essential services voters and polling staff casted their vote in Assembly Constituency 54-Ramban and Assembly Constituency 55-Banihal.

 The voting process was held under comprehensive security arrangements and strict adherence to Election Commission of India (ECI) protocol.  District Election Officer Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, personally supervised the voting to ensure free, fair and transparent Assembly Elections 2024.

According to Returning Officer AC-54 Ramban, S. Harpal Singh, a total of 673 voters exercised their right to vote through postal ballots in Ramban. Returning Officer AC-55 Banihal, Rizwan Asgar, reported that 922 voters in Banihal successfully cast their ballots at two facilitation centres: the District Administrative Complex Maitra Ramban and Government Higher Secondary School Boys Banihal.

The process was meticulously executed under the Election Commission of India's Postal Ballot initiative, ensuring essential service personnel, who may be on duty on Election Day, could securely vote in advance. 

Vibrant Voter Engagement activities held in Tehsil office Nagri

KATHUA: In a vibrant celebration of democracy, a series of impactful activities were conducted at the Tehsil Office Complex, Nagri Parole under Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation program. The events, forming part of the ongoing voter engagement initiatives within AC 67-Kathua (SC), were spearheaded by local Tehsildar Aana Jamwal and her team.

The activities aimed to inspire and motivate eligible voters to participate in the upcoming elections on 1st October 2024. The highlight of the day was the powerful performance of a Nukkad Natak by students from Government Higher Secondary School, Nagri Parole. The play conveyed the critical importance of voting in a democracy, with the young performers emphasizing the role of voters in strengthening the democratic process.

Their message was clear AC 67-Kathua should strive to achieve one of the highest voter turnout in the elections, rallying the community to actively engage in the democratic process.

Following the inspiring performance, a solemn voter pledge was taken by all attendees, including the general public, staff from the Tehsil Office, and students and faculty from local schools such as Government High School (GHS) Parole, Holy Family Convent School, Middle School (MS) Boys Parole, and HSS Nagri Parole. This collective pledge highlighted their dedication to ensuring a robust voter turnout and a stronger democratic process.

The event continued with a spirited rally featuring students from participating schools. Marching through the streets of Nagri, the students proudly carried banners and chanted slogans, urging residents to exercise their right to vote on 1st October. The rally traversed busy areas, attracting widespread attention and reminding citizens of the importance of their participation in the electoral process.

Among the distinguished participants was Jatinder Sethi, Principal of Government HSS Nagri Parole and Nodal Officer for SVEEP AC 67-Kathua (SC), who guided and supported the students throughout the day's events.