Election Observers review poll preparedness in Pulwama

Pulwama, Aug 29: A comprehensive review meeting on poll preparedness for the upcoming general elections to the Legislative Assembly 2024 was held today at Circuit House Pulwama.

The meeting was attended by General Observers; Manoj Kumar, Vadarevu Vinay Chand, Brajesh Narain Singh, Khartade Sudama Rao; Police Observer, Akhliesh Kumar and Expenditure Observer, Srikanth N.

The District Election Officer, Pulwama Dr Basharat Qayoom provided a detailed briefing to the observers through a PowerPoint presentation, covering various aspects critical to the successful conduct of the elections.

The presentation included an overview of the AC-wise electorate information, projected population, EPIC details and polling stations including special polling stations, details of the EVMs and human resource management.

designated sectors, strong room, counting hall and facilitation centers besides transport and medical plans, SVEEP programs, social media strategy and training centers.

SSPs provided the details of law and order maintenance and the security grid covering police districts Pulwama and Awantipora, as per the guidelines set by the Election Commission of India.

Observers emphasised the importance of a proper election management plan, including the provision of necessary facilities at every polling station as mandated by ECI, in the form of Assured Minimum Facilities. Observers also stressed the need to ensure that every voter is facilitated appropriately, with booth level facilitation counters in place.

General Observers highlighted the importance of avoiding communication blackouts and ensuring that all facilities are accessible to the public. They reiterated the Election Commission's commitment to free, fair and transparent elections and emphasized the need for ground-level implementation of all electoral processes to encourage public participation.

Returning Officers presented updates on the electoral process, polling arrangements for PWD and migrant voters and the transport plan. Detailed discussions were also held regarding the management of EVMs and VVPATs.

The Nodal Officer for Training outlined the schedule and structure of training sessions, including the 2nd randomisation process, upcoming micro-observer training and the implementation of mock polls as directed by the Election Commission of India. It was emphasised that all polling personnel must carry identity cards and that CCTV monitoring and webcasting would be conducted, with strict regulations to ensure free and fair elections.

The Expenditure Nodal Officer provided insights into the election monitoring system, including the roles assigned to the SST teams, 12 designated Nakas, Flying Squads (FST), Video Surveillance(VST) and Viewing Teams (VVT), accounting teams and the expenditure monitoring cell. The District Grievance Committee and District Election Control Room along with the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) were also discussed in detail.

The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on ensuring that all plans are executed meticulously to facilitate a smooth electoral process in accordance with the guidelines of the Election Commission of India.

Later, the Observers conducted a detailed inspection of the counting halls and strong rooms at the Government Degree College for Women, Pulwama.

During the visit, the Observers assessed the readiness of the facility and provided necessary guidelines and instructions to ensure that the Strong Room and Counting Hall are fully prepared for the electoral process. The Observers emphasised the importance of adhering to the highest standards of transparency and security in the arrangement of the Counting Hall.

The Observers also directed that all necessary arrangements for electricity, communication and other logistical support be ensured as per standard guidelines of ECI for a smooth counting process.