SRINAGAR AUG 18: Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer (DEO) Srinagar, convened a high-level meeting on Sunday to assess the preparedness for the forthcoming Assembly elections in the district. The meeting, held at the DC Office Complex, brought together Returning Officers (ROs), Assistant Returning Officers (AROs), and other key officials responsible for ensuring a smooth and transparent electoral process across the district’s eight Assembly constituencies.
Dr. Bhat emphasized the importance of meticulous planning and coordination among the election machinery to guarantee free, fair, and peaceful elections. The discussions covered a wide range of critical areas, including logistical arrangements, manpower management, transportation of polling staff and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), training programs, expenditure monitoring, and communication strategies.
Particular attention was given to ensuring that all polling locations and stations are well-equipped with necessary facilities. Dr. Bhat urged the AROs and designated Nodal Officers to expedite the implementation of these arrangements, stressing the need for thorough ground-level preparations.
The DEO also underscored the importance of adhering to the Model Code of Conduct, ensuring a level playing field for all political parties. He directed the officials to facilitate timely permissions for rallies and other electoral events, aiming to maintain a fair and orderly campaign environment.
In addition, Dr. Bhat called for the establishment of a robust control room at the RO level to monitor the election process effectively. He highlighted the need for adequate facilities at all polling booths, not just for the voters but also for the polling staff and security personnel on duty.
The DEO further instructed ROs and AROs to conduct visits to polling stations and distribution/collection centers to verify that all necessary arrangements are in place, in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Among those present at the meeting were Additional Deputy Commissioner (RO Hazratbal), Syed Ahmad Kataria, Additional Deputy Commissioner (RO Zadibal), Dr. Khalid Hussain Malik, Deputy District Election Officer Imtiyaz Ahmad, and other key officials involved in the election process.
Srinagar district comprises eight Assembly segments: Hazratbal, Khanyar, Habbakadal, Lal Chowk, Chanapora, Zadibal, Eidgah, and Central Shalteng. The upcoming elections will be a significant test of the administration’s ability to conduct a seamless and transparent electoral process across these constituencies.
