Srinagar, Feb 17: The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jammu & Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole Saturday said that election preparations in the Union Territory are in full swing.
Pole said that they are actively providing election-related training to various stakeholders, including Police, CRPF, media personnel, political parties, and others in anticipation of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Emphasising the crucial role of the media as the fourth pillar of democracy, he noted that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has already outlined rules and regulations for the media.
Pole made these remarks in a training session which was conducted for media personnel, covering print, electronic, and social media.
Pole said that ongoing session, including the upcoming one in Jammu, aim to enhance awareness and readiness among media professionals.
Speaking on the pre certification of political advertisements, he said that commission has already issued order, wherein Media Certification and Monitoring Committees at district and State levels were given the responsibilities of pre-certification of advertisement of political nature.
He said that pre certification of a political advertisement by any registered political party or by any group of organization, association or by any contesting candidate during elections will also be mandatory for social media handles.
Since social media websites are also electronic media by definition, therefore, the instructions of the Commission shall also apply to websites including social media websites and shall fall under the purview of pre-certification, he added.
CEO Pole further said that extensive preparations have been underway for the past six months, including meetings, training sessions, and other necessary activities.
Training has been provided at national, state, and district levels, involving personnel from Police, CRPF, and political parties. Once the Election Commission of India announces the schedule, activities will intensify, he added.
