Rajouri, Sep 14: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Pandurang Kondbarao Pole on Thursday visited Rajouri to oversee preparations being made for the upcoming 2023 Municipal Elections.
In a meeting held here in this regard, the CEO had detailed deliberation with all nodal officers regarding several significant issues concerning the conduct of municipal elections. Deputy Commissioner, Vikas Kundal, presented a comprehensive overview of the election preparations.
The issues discussed in the meeting inter alia included updates on polling station readiness, appointment of Returning Officers (ROs) and Assistant Returning Officers (AROs), training progress for election staff, distribution of election handbooks, status of the database of employees, setting up of control rooms, action plan for printing of Ballot papers, transport plan, security plan, SVEEP plan, procurement plan besides establishment of counting and dispatch centres.
The Deputy Commissioner affirmed that all 65 polling stations had undergone physical verification and requisite facilities have been guaranteed there. Besides, the appointment of ROs and AROs is being done with strict adherence to the guidelines issued by the Election Authority.
Regarding training, it was revealed that the next phase is all set to commence on September 18, 2023, under the supervision of the nodal officer for training, PO ICDS Rajouri. In terms of workforce deployment, over 700 employees have been registered in the NIC Software, although the actual requirement was 380. Similarly, locations for counting centres and receipt and dispatch centres have already been identified.
The meeting was further informed that the office of the Deputy District Election Officer will function as the Control Room for various election-related functions throughout the election process. Besides, transport plan for the Municipal Elections has also been finalized.
The CEO stressed the importance of a robust security plan, directing the SSP Rajouri to deploy additional forces in sensitive and hypersensitive polling stations. He emphasised contingency planning for unforeseen circumstances and proposed a comprehensive SVEEP Plan to enhance public awareness about the electoral process and boost voter participation.
Later, the CEO conducted on-site inspections at the Receipt Center and Counting Center located at Boys High Secondary School in Rajouri. This proactive engagement reaffirms the commitment of the administration towards ensuring the success and integrity of ensuing Municipal Elections in the district.
