Expenditure Observer reviews poll preparedness in Shopian

Shopian, Aug 21: Election Expenditure Observer for District Shopian, Nelapatla Ashok Babu today visited Shopian and chaired a review meeting with Nodal Officers on the election preparedness in the district including reviewing election expenditure monitoring.

At the outset, District Election Officer (DEO) Shopian, Faz Lul Haseeb briefed the Expenditure Observer about all relevant aspects of Election preparedness including functioning of expenditure monitoring teams viz Flying Squads, Static Surveillance, Video Viewing Teams along with functioning of District Election Control Room, District Election Management Plan, MCMC, SVEEP activities, security, and other related election issues.

He informed that teams have been deployed in both the Assembly Constituencies of Shopian and Zainapora to keep check on expenditure monitoring. He said all logistical, material, security and manpower besides other arrangements shall be in place for smooth conduct of elections in a free and fair manner.

Expenditure Observer, on the occasion emphasized for sensitizing all political parties on expenditure related maintenance of records and also instructed for keeping close watch by field teams on any illegal transaction of inducements and keeping track of social media, paid news, and proper maintenance of accounts of contesting candidates.

He also focused on enhancing the SVEEP activities, increasing voter turnout, enhancing youth participation in electoral process and voting, and employing IT software and hardware to keep required vigil on expenditure monitoring.

Later, the Observer visited the Strong rooms, Despatch and Receipt Centre at Mini Secretariat and took stock of arrangements there.

Thereafter, he visited Keegam, Hermain and interacted with Flying Squad members stationed there to check movement of vehicles entering the district for any violations.

The meeting was also attended by SSP, Anayat Ali; ADDC, Dr. Nasir Ahmad Lone; ADC, Dr. Zakir Hussain Faaz, ROs, Nodal Officers, AROs of district Shopian and other staff.