KUPWARA, MAY 03:Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jammu and Kashmir, P K Pole, conducted a thorough review of preparations for the LokSabha Elections 2024 during his visit to Kupwara on Friday. The CEO was accompanied by Police Observer Ravi Shankar and other concerned officers.
Chairing a meeting of Nodal Officers and Assistant Returning Officers (AROs), the CEO, along with District Election Officer Ayushi Sudan, examined the detailed plan for election preparedness, presented through a PowerPoint Presentation. Sudan highlighted that all arrangements have been made to ensure free and fair elections in the district, including a contingency and emergency evacuation plan for polling stations located in high-altitude areas near the Line of Control.
The CEO conducted a constituency-wise review of various components of the ongoing election process, including the arrangements at polling stations, transportation plans, training of polling staff, and voter awareness campaigns under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program.
Emphasizing the importance of Adequate Minimum Facilities (AMF) at polling stations, the CEO stressed the need for a conducive environment for voters and urged for massive plantation drives and provision of basic facilities on polling day.
Furthermore, the CEO directed robust voter awareness campaigns to ensure high voter turnout, strict adherence to Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines, and media monitoring to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
During his visit, the CEO also inaugurated a live Art Exhibition under SVEEP at TRC Kupwara, aimed at promoting awareness and education among voters. Interacting with young voters, he encouraged them to motivate others to participate in the elections.
The visit also included inspections of the election control room, Media Certification Monitoring Committee (MCMC), and the Strong Room, where arrangements for the safety and security of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were reviewed.
The meeting and exhibition were attended by SSPs Kupwara and Handwara, ADDC Kupwara, ADC Handwara, AROs, Election Nodal Officers, and other concerned officers.
