SRINAGAR, MAR01: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jammu and Kashmir, PandurangKondbarao Pole, chaired a crucial meeting to assess preparations for the upcoming General LokSabha Election 2024. The meeting focused on reviewing the District Election Management Plans for Pulwama, Budgam, Ganderbal, and Srinagar districts.
District Election Officers and Senior Superintendents of Police from the concerned districts were present. The discussions encompassed various aspects including the implementation of the electoral roll process, logistical requirements, manpower management, risk assessment, transportation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), polling staff, and security arrangements in both plains and border areas.
The meeting also emphasized the allocation of sufficient human resources, execution of the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) plan at the booth level, formulation of a comprehensive material management plan, secure route mapping, and development of an extensive training program for Assistant Returning Officers (AROs), Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), and designated nodal officers.
CEO Pandurang instructed the District Election Officers to establish robust control rooms in their respective districts to monitor various aspects of the election process, including tracking EVM-carrying vehicles and communication from polling stations. These control rooms will also act as points of contact in case of emergencies during the elections.
To enhance public participation, Pandurang urged AROs to implement widespread awareness campaigns at the booth level. This includes engaging Block Level Officers (BLOs), sports personalities, government employees, youth icons, and influencers, as well as organizing sports events, rallies, competitions, and door-to-door campaigns.
Highlighting the importance of ensuring Adequate Minimum Facilities (AMF) for polling staff and security personnel, the CEO instructed Welfare Officers to ensure clean washrooms, drinking water, first aid, and electricity at designated camping areas for their comfort and well-being during electoral duties on election day.
