‘Ensure robust arrangements for counting on June 4’

Srinagar, May 22:  Ahead of Counting of Votes for Srinagar Lok Sabha Seat, the Returning Officer (RO) 02-Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat today visited SKICC-Centaur to take on site assessment of the arrangements being put in place for upcoming Vote Counting on June 4.

SP East, Mubashir Bukhari; Nodal Officer MCC, Ilyas Ahmad; Nodal Officer, MCMC, Ahsan ul Haq Chisti; Nodal Officer ETPBS, Mujtaba Ahmad Banday; Deputy District Election Officer Srinagar, Mir Imtiyaz ul Aziz and other concerned were present on the occasion.

During the visit, the Returning Officer along with the concerned Officer took a thorough inspection of the preparations with regard to the arrangements in and around the counting centres for a smooth and well-organised counting process.

He reviewed the surveillance and security measures, seating arrangements, transporting of EVMs and the technical setup at the counting halls being made to ensure transparency, accuracy and the timely announcement of counting results.

While interacting with the Officers at the venue, the RO stressed on ensuring seamless arrangements and facilities in place for counting centres, strong rooms, CCTV links and training of manpower for upholding the sanctity and integrity of the democratic ethos.

The RO also said that the counting process will be done as per ECI guidelines under video recording and except the observer and Returning Officer, no one will be allowed to take mobile phones inside the counting room.

The EVMs are presently kept under three-layer security cordon in strong rooms at SKICC-Centaur, after the voting process was completed on May 13, 2024 for 02-Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency.