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I will always remember Dr. Priya Ranjan not only as the Chairman of JK Monitor, but as a mentor, guide and elder brother whose kindness shaped my life and work. Write a tribute at SRINAGAR: Observers and District Election Offices across Jammu and Kashmir are intensifying efforts to ensure smooth and transparent Assembly Elections in 2024. General and Expenditure Observers are actively reviewing preparations, conducting inspections, and overseeing poll staff randomization in key districts like Rajpora, Kupwara, and Gurez.
Meanwhile, SVEEP activities are engaging voters through awareness programs, rallies, and community interactions in remote and border areas, emphasizing voter participation and the importance of electoral rights. Enhanced coordination among enforcement agencies and meticulous planning are central to achieving a free and fair election process across the region.
General observer for AC-Rajpora chairs comprehensive meeting with Zonal & Sectoral Magistrates
PULWAMA: In a significant step towards ensuring smooth conduct of the upcoming Assembly elections, General Observer for Assembly Constituency Rajpora, Khartade Sudama Rao today chaired a comprehensive meeting with Zonal and Sectoral Magistrates, here.
The meeting focused on finalizing poll preparedness for the 1st phase of the elections, with an emphasis on accountability and zero tolerance, as directed by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
During the meeting, the General Observer reiterated the importance of treating all areas equally and ensuring full compliance with ECI guidelines.
Key officials present included the Nodal Officer for the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), the Returning Officer for Rajpora, and other senior officers. The General Observer provided detailed instructions regarding essential arrangements at polling stations, including Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) such as drinking water, toilets, lighting, seating arrangements and ensuring proper security measures for a peaceful voting process.
Discussions also touched on the role of the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) in overseeing social media, TV, radio and newspapers to ensure the public receives positive and accurate information about the elections.
The Observer emphasized the need for maximum participation in these historic elections, supported by the ongoing SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) activities, which have received a positive response from all stakeholders. Initiatives such as Icons of Pulwama, cultural programs, Nukad Nataks and Home Voting provisions were highlighted.
The Observer assured that a level playing field for all candidates and political parties is maintained with mechanisms like C-Vigil, wheelchairs, mobile ambulances and first aid kits readily available. He added that all polling staff are undergoing rigorous training to act in accordance with ECI guidelines, strictly following the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Webcasting will be arranged at all polling stations. The Observer stressed the importance of accurate data reporting. The meeting concluded with a firm resolve to ensure a free, fair and transparent election in Pulwama.
General Observer visits Kupwara, inspects District Election Control Room, MCMC, ROs office
KUPWARA: General Observer for 2- Trehgam and 3-Kupwara Assembly constituencies, P. Hemalatha visited Kupwara on Thursday and reviewed the preparations made for upcoming assembly elections in Kupwara district. General observer was accompanied by District Election Officer (DEO) Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan and Nodal Officer MCMC, Gulzar Ahmed Bhat.
During her visit to the District Election Control Room, set-up at the District Information office, Kupwara, the General Observer reviewed the performance and took first hand appraisal of Encore, C-vigil and other facilities.
The General Observer also visited MCMC Kupwara and reviewed its functioning. She checked scanning of social media, pre–certification of political advertisements, and coverage by District media centre to election related activities in the district.
She also visited the ROs Offices 3- Kupwara and 2-Trehgam. Returning Officer, 2-Trehgam, Muzaffar Ahmed Sheikh briefed the General Observer about the functioning of the RO’s Office and other election related arrangements. General observer reviewed the status of nominations received and interacted with staff.
General Observer reviews Elections preparations in Gurez-AC
BANDIPORA: The General Observer for 16- Gurez Assembly Constituency of Bandipora District, Ramnivas Yadav today convened a meeting at Dak Bungalow Gurez to review election preparations in Gurez AC.
During the meeting, the General Observer took a detailed review of the preparations for the upcoming assembly elections. He assessed the readiness of all involved stakeholders and confirmed that all protocols are in place.
During the meeting, General Observer was briefed by Returning Officer 16-Gurez on various aspects of the election process, including setup of polling stations, training of election staff and implementation of security measures. The Observer emphasized the importance of transparency, efficiency, and security in maintaining the integrity of the election.
The meeting concluded with a positive assessment of the preparedness efforts and a commitment from all involved to uphold the highest standards of electoral conduct. General observer expressed confidence in the readiness of the electoral process and reiterated the importance of a smooth, transparent and fair election.
- Election Expenditure Observer visits State Taxes Department Bandipora
- Emphasizes collaborative efforts of enforcement agencies to ensure free & fair elections
BANDIPORA: In preparation for the upcoming legislative assembly elections, the Election Expenditure Observer for Bandipora District, Sudeep Dabas today visited the State Taxes Department Bandipora to review and oversee the processes in place to monitor election expenditure.
During the visit, Sudeep Dabas held a meeting with key officials to assess the department's preparedness in ensuring compliance with the expenditure guidelines set by the Election Commission of India. The Observer emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to the expenditure limits by all political parties and candidates.
The State Taxes Officer Mehraj Wani presented strategies for monitoring financial transactions, checking of E-way bills and enforcement. He informed that special teams have been formed to conduct surprise checks, scrutinize returns, and verify the accuracy of submitted statements.
Debas expressed satisfaction with the department's preparedness and highlighted the importance of collaboration between various enforcement agencies to ensure free and fair elections.
SVEEP: DEO Bandipora leads Plantation Drive at Polling Station Nathpora
BANDIPORA: To promote voter awareness and environmental sustainability, the District Election Officer (DEO) Bandipora, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri on Thursday led a plantation drive at Polling Station 59, Nathpora.
This initiative is part of the district’s ongoing SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) activities, aimed at engaging the public in the electoral process and contributing to the environment.
The DEO was accompanied by Padmashree Faisal Ali Dar, the Brand Ambassador for SVEEP activities, Chief Planning Officer, Chief Education Officer, ARTO, Deputy CEO, and other concerned officials.
On the occasion, DEO highlighted the importance of integrating environmental consciousness with electoral awareness. He emphasized that such initiatives help to promote a sense of responsibility among citizens both towards the democratic process and the environment.
He said planting trees at polling stations is a symbol of our commitment to nurture democracy and the environment.
Qadri also emphasized the critical role of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in the election process and acknowledged their efforts in ensuring smooth electoral operations and urged them to remain dedicated in the lead-up to the assembly elections.
SVEEP: Voter awareness programmes organized at Machil
KUPWARA: Under the Systematic Voter’s Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) campaign, various voter awareness programs (VAPs) were organized today at remote Machil area of Kupwara to encourage electoral participation and ensure an informed, inclusive and ethical voting process.
Mega Voter Awareness Programmes (VAPs) were organized at Govt. High School Machil and Govt. Boys High School Chountiwari Machil.
District Nodal Officer SVEEP (Chief Education Officer) Kupwara, Ab. Majeed Dar while presiding over the awareness programmes urged the participants to take an active role in the democratic process of voting.
On the occasion, the District Nodal Officer said that more than 2500 saplings were planted in the district contributing to a greater and healthier planet for all generations. Earlier, National Anthem singing and voter Pledge Ceremony was organized.
A plantation initiative was organized on the occasion which is a pivotal component of the SVEEP program. The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of various stakeholders, students and locals of the area.
CEO Kupwara solicited the cooperation of the community in safeguarding and nurturing the planted saplings, emphasizing the collective responsibility towards environmental conservation.
The plantation drive underscores the District Administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability and civic engagement, marking a significant step towards a greener and more participatory future. Later, Voter Awareness Rallies were organized under SVEEP at Machil and Chuntiwari. Hundreds of students, locals of the area, AWWs and Ashas participated in the voter awareness rallies.
The objective of the awareness rallies was to encourage the general public and first time voters to vote in upcoming assembly elections in large numbers, motivate the young voters to participate in the electoral process without any hesitation and ensure maximum voter turnout to help in strengthening the core values of the democracy.
- SVEEP Team Kupwara visits Ring Bala Machil, close to LoC
- Engages with tribals, other voters for active participation in upcoming Assembly Elections
KUPWARA: With the mission to ensure that every voter in frontier Kupwara district, regardless of their location is well-informed and ready to exercise their democratic rights, the District SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral participation) Team Kupwara today conducted an outreach program at remote village Ring Bala of Machil.
The outreach, conducted on the directions of District Election Officer (DEO) Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan, focused on engaging various categories of voters, including tribal voters, first-time voters, women and senior citizens to ensure that every eligible voter is informed and motivated to participate in the upcoming elections.
The visit aimed to reach even the remotest and interior most areas of the district reinforcing the administration's commitment to inculcate voter education.
The SVEEP team headed by District Nodal Officer SVEEP (Chief Education Officer Kupwara), Ab. Majeed Dar along with Zonal Education Officer Khumeriyal in a significant move interacted with local residents and tribals putting up in Dhoks in order to strengthen democratic participation under SVEEP and addressing the unique challenges faced by these groups such as geographical isolation and low literacy rates.
The SVEEP team discussed the importance of voting and providing guidance on the electoral process. Special emphasis was placed on making informed decisions and understanding the power of each vote.
During the visit, the team also listened to the concerns of the villagers, addressing any challenges they face in accessing polling stations and ensuring their voices are heard.
General Election Observer oversee 2nd Randomisation of poll parties in Ganderbal
GANDERBAL: In preparation for the upcoming Assembly Elections, the second randomization of polling staff was successfully conducted in Ganderbal today under the supervision of the General Election Observer, R. Lakshmanan.
This critical step, aimed at ensuring impartiality and transparency, involved randomly assigning polling staff to different polling stations, a process designed to uphold the fairness of the electoral procedure.
The randomization was overseen by the District Election Officer, Shyambir, along with Deputy DEO Abid Iqbal Malik, District Informatics Officer, and other key officials.
Using advanced software, a total of 1,520 employees were randomized for election duty across 267 polling stations in the district’s two assembly constituencies. Polling is scheduled to take place on September 25, 2024. The employees, including those in reserve, have been assigned roles as P0, P1, P2, and P3.
In anticipation of any emergencies, around 45% of the staff has been held in reserve to ensure smooth and efficient election proceedings. During the event, the General Election Observer emphasized the significance of the randomization process in maintaining the integrity of the elections.
He expressed confidence that these transparent and unbiased efforts would contribute to conducting free, fair, and credible elections in Ganderbal.
- District Shopian marks successful conclusion of Home Voting
- All 138 votes polled, registering 100% voting, voters appreciate administration
SHOPIAN: The Home Voting process culminated today in the district, with polling parties registering all votes scheduled for polling in two assembly constituencies of AC 36-Zainapora and AC 37-Shopian.
138 Individuals of the district; 87 from Shopian AC and 51 from Zainapora AC had opted for Home Voting facility by applying on form -12D before ARO’s of respective constituencies.
The District Election Officer had deployed 12 Polling parties in both constituencies to visit all 138 voters of District who had opted for 'Vote From Home' facility and the same was successfully completed today by achieving 100% polling percentage.128 votes were polled on day one yesterday, while as 10 votes were polled today on second day.
Home Voting, a remarkable step, taken by Election Commission of India for the first time during Lok Sabha Elections 2024 was replicated again in General Elections to Legislative Assembly 2024 in UT of J&K to facilitate people aged 85 and above and specially-abled persons to vote at home, due to their incapacities to visit their polling stations on the poll day for voting.
The voters after exercising their franchise appreciated the efforts of the District Election Office, Shopian and Election Commission of India for the novel and empowering initiative. The home voters appealed to all the voters of Shopian and Zainapora constituencies to cast their vote on poll day. In their message to voters they reminded them of their zeal to cast their vote despite being incapacitated.
DEO Shopian reviews & finalises transport arrangements for polling parties, deputed for Polling on September-18
SHOPIAN: The District Election Officer (DEO),Shopian, Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar today visited Fruit Mandi Aglar Shopian to take stock of transport arrangements for polling staff for smooth conduct of General Elections to two Assembly Constituencies of the district.
Nodal Officer, Transport apprised the DEO that more than 300 vehicles have been arranged to transport the staff and polling material to their respective polling stations across the district.
The DEO inspected the parking area and assessed the different parameters and requirements of the transport and thereon instructed for efficient execution of the plan. He sought comprehensive coordination among the stakeholders to ensure desirable deliverance during the dispatch and receipt of poll parties.
- Multifarious SVEEP activities held across Shopian
- Overwhelming participation from locals witnessed
SHOPIAN: Multiple Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) camps were held today across the district to engage and enhance voter literacy and engagement in view of the J&K Assembly elections, 2024.
These camps were held at various locations, including, Fruit Mandi, Narpora, Keller market, Zampathri, Kral Check, Keegam, Tukroo and other places to amplify the ongoing efforts to raise voter awareness ahead of poll day.
Various activities including rallies, public announcements, speeches, dramas, etc were organized by the Nodal Officer, SVEEP, which witnessed an overwhelming response from children, local residents and staff members who actively participated in the rallies.
Announcements were made, emphasizing the importance of voting and the inevitable need for people to register their franchise on the voting day were highlighted throughout the march.
Themes promoting a responsible, transparent and vibrant democracy were also a key focus. The participants carried banners with SVEEP content while as student ambassadors appealed to people to participate in voting.
Through these SVEEP initiatives, the District Election Office continues to work towards educating the public about the electoral process and the significance of their active participation in building a better future for the region.
SVEEP: GDC Sumbal organises Rally cum Awareness programme on Electoral Rights
BANDIPORA: In a significant initiative to promote electoral awareness among the youth, Government Degree College (GDC) Sumbal organized a rally cum awareness programme under the Systematic Voter Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) initiative.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, and non-teaching staff, highlighting the importance of voter engagement in the forthcoming Assembly Elections.
The rally aimed to educate young students about their electoral rights and the significance of their participation in the democratic process. Prof. Ishfaq Ahmed delivered a compelling lecture on democracy and voting rights, emphasizing the crucial role of informed voting in strengthening democratic institutions.
Prof. Mehraj Uddin and PTI Muzaffar Ahmed also interacted with the participants, addressing various electoral issues and encouraging active involvement in the electoral process. The event concluded with a pledge by all attendees to contribute towards making Indian democracy more participative and vibrant.
SVEEP: GDC Ajas hosts Quiz Competition
BANDIPORA: Government Degree College (GDC) Ajas, today organised a quiz competition focusing on the theme of Elections and voter education under Systematic Voter Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) campaign. The event was held under the supervision of Nodal Officer SVEEP 14-Sonawari, with the active involvement of the college faculty.
The competition featured spirited participation from three teams, who engaged in a series of challenging rounds designed to test their knowledge of electoral processes, democratic participation, and the importance of voter awareness. After a close contest, Team A emerged victorious, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
The event besides highlighting the significance of informed and educated voters also encouraged meaningful discussions among the students about their role in strengthening democracy.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to engage the student community in the democratic process, ensuring they are well-equipped to exercise their right to vote with responsibility and knowledge besides empowering first-time voters and increasing electoral participation through awareness and education.
