Kupwara, March 17: The District Election Officer/Deputy Commissioner (DEO/DC) Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan on Sunday visited Handwara and conducted a comprehensive inspection of election Strong room, Polling Stations and Election control Room at Handwara.
The inspection was aimed to evaluate the preparedness for upcoming Lok Sabha election 2024 in the district.
Accompanied by SSP Handwara, Dawood Ayoob; ADC Handwara, Aziz Ahmad Rather and Executive Engineer Handwara, DEO undertook a comprehensive visit to several polling stations including Polling Station established at Government Boys Higher Secondary School Handwara and Polling station of Government Girls Higher Secondary School Handwara.
She took appraisal of arrangements for the night stay of polling staff and security personnel. The basic minimum amenities such as electricity, water supply, sanitation facilities, and accessibility for differently-abled voters was assessed at these polling stations
The DEO meticulously inspected Strong Room at ITI Handwara and checked booths for Handwara and Langate and reviewed the facilities and arrangements for Counting centres. Security arrangements for strong room and counting centres were also reviewed.
During the inspection, the DEO engaged with the stakeholders to ensure that all necessary arrangements were in place to facilitate a smooth and efficient voting and other election related process.
She along with other Officers paid a visit to election control room Handwara where they checked its smooth functioning.
Expressing satisfaction with the overall preparedness observed during the visit, the DEO underscored the importance of ensuring that all polling stations, strong rooms and counting Halls adhere to prescribed standards of ECI to uphold the integrity and fairness of the electoral process.
She reiterated the unwavering commitment of the administration to facilitating free, fair, and transparent elections, wherein every eligible citizen can exercise their democratic right with confidence and ease.
On the occasion, DEO directed the officers of concerned departments to put in place all efforts for smooth conduct of Lok Sabha Elections.
Gun license holders asked to deposit weapons in B’pora
Bandipora, March 17: The District Magistrate/ District Election Officer (DM/DEO) Bandipora, Shakeel ul Rehman on Sunday directed all licensed arms holders to deposit their arms at the nearest police stations within 07 days in view of Lok Sabha polls-2024.
The District Magistrate in an order vide No. 35- DMB of 2024 dated: 17-03-2024 directed all the civilians and forces personnel (retired and serving) presently residing within the territorial jurisdiction of District Bandipora and who are in possession of arms and ammunition on a valid arms licence shall deposit their arms and ammunition in the concerned police stations within a period of seven days from the date of issuance of the order.
This measure is for preventive law and order action to ensure conduct of peaceful, free and fair poll during General Election to Lok Sabha- 2024.
In a statement, the District Magistrate said that the prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC had come into force with effect from March 16, as per the Election Commission of India (ECI)‘s Model Code of Conduct.
Further, the order clarifies that there shall be a complete prohibition on issuance of new arms licence till the culmination of election process.
DEO B’la oversees deployment of static surveillance teams
Baramulla, March 17: The District Election Officer (DEO) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Police Baramulla, Amod Ashok Nagarpure, undertook a comprehensive visit to various key locations within the district to oversee the deployment of Static Surveillance Teams.
With the elections drawing near, the presence of Static Surveillance Teams at all designated checkpoints is of paramount importance for ensuring the compliance to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
During the visit, the officers conducted thorough inspections of various crucial locations to assess the readiness and effectiveness of Static Surveillance Teams in fulfilling their responsibilities during elections.
The collaborative efforts of the DEO and SSP Baramulla aim to safeguard the rights of voters, guarantee a fair and transparent electoral environment and uphold democratic principles during the upcoming elections.
Later, the DEO conducted visits to several designated polling stations within the district to ensure the availability of Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) for both voters and polling staff ahead of the upcoming elections.
Training for zonal, sectoral magistrates organized in B’pora
Bandipora, March 17: In run-up to upcoming Lok Sabha elections-2024, the District Administration Bandipora organised a training programme for zonal and sectoral magistrates at Town Hall, here.
The training program was aimed to equip zonal and sectoral magistrates with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to oversee the electoral process effectively.
The training was presided over by DEO/DC Bandipora, Shakeel Ul Rehman.
Nodal Officer MCC/ADC Umar Shafi Pandit, ERO/ACR Shabir Ahmad Wani, and DyDEO, Mohammad Rafeeq Bhat were also present on the occasion.
During the program, specific duties and powers of sectoral and zonal magistrates were discussed, emphasizing their pivotal roles in overseeing polling stations.
The DEO on the occasion took feedback from the participants regarding the training provided to them besides discussing essentials of EVMs and electoral process.
He stressed the importance of proper training and maintaining impartiality in carrying out duties for conducting peaceful and smooth elections.
He also urged master trainers to make the officers well equipped with their roles and responsibilities besides election related activities.
SVEEP: Awareness prog for young voters held in Gulmarg
Baramulla, March 17: The District Administration Baramulla in collaboration with key stakeholders conducted a series of activities aimed at creating awareness among young voters during an event held at Gulmarg.
Sub Divisional Magistrate Gulmarg, Syed Altaf, Chief Executive Officer of Gulmarg Development Authority, Raja Waseem, and other officers and officials, besides young voters participated in the event.
Several engaging activities were organized throughout the program to educate and empower young individuals about their role in the electoral process. Interactive sessions, informative presentations, and discussions were conducted to enlighten participants about the importance of voter registration, polling procedures, and the significance of exercising their voting rights.
Sub Divisional Magistrate Gulmarg highlighted the pivotal role of youth in shaping the future of the nation and urged them to actively participate in the democratic process. He emphasized the importance of ethical voting practices and encouraged young voters to become responsible citizens by exercising their right to vote.
Chief Executive Officer Gulmarg Development Authority stressed the need for sustained efforts to raise awareness among young voters and ensure their active participation in the electoral process.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from young voters, reflecting their eagerness to contribute to the democratic process.
Participants expressed their commitment to spreading awareness among their peers and communities, thus fostering a culture of informed and responsible citizenship.
DEO interacts with reps of political parties in Rajouri
Rajouri, March 17: District Election Officer Rajouri, Om Prakash Bhagat today presided over a meeting with representatives from various political parties. The objective was to underscore the importance of adhering to the highest ethical standards outlined in the Model Code of Conduct, and other applicable guidelines of ECI in view of the forthcoming Lok Sabha Elections, 2024.
The meeting served as a platform to sensitize political parties about the imperative nature of upholding integrity, fairness, and transparency throughout the electoral process.
All issues were deliberated upon during the session, encompassing crucial aspects such as complaining as per MCC provisions, obtaining permission for media advertisements, campaign vehicles, initiation of candidate bank accounts a day prior to the nomination period and the other important aspects.
The discussions held during the meeting underscored the collective commitment of all political stakeholders towards fostering an environment characterized by ethical conduct, accountability, and respect for democratic principles.
DEO reiterated the pivotal role of political parties in upholding the democratic ethos of the nation and emphasized the need for cooperation and adherence to the guidelines set forth in the Model Code of Conduct of ECI. He urged all parties to exhibit utmost integrity and responsibility, thereby setting a positive precedence for a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process.
The meeting served as a reaffirmation of the collective commitment towards ensuring a democratic electoral process characterized by integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct. The District Election Officer expressed confidence in the cooperation and adherence of all political parties to the guidelines outlined, thereby fostering conducive environment for the smooth conduct of the Lok Sabha Elections.
ADC Rajeev Kumar Khajuria; ACR, Jhangir Khan; Deputy DEO Shakeel Ahmed and DIO, Mohd Nawaz Choudhary besides representatives of political parties attended the meeting.
Training session of election manpower held in Ramban
Ramban, March 17: In preparation for the Lok Sabha Election 2024, the Election Department Ramban conducted a one day training session for all the officers and officials involved in the election process.
Presided over by District Election Officer, Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, the session focused on ensuring smooth implementation of election protocols and guidelines. The training session witnessed the participation of dedicated individuals committed to upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
ADDC, Roshan Lal, ADC, Varunjeet Singh Charak, ARO Ramban S. Harpal Singh, ARO Banihal, Rizwan Asgar and Nodal Officers of various committees were also present on the occasion.
Led by a National Level Master Trainer, Riyaz Ahmed Bhat participants were sensitized to the provisions and meticulous execution of the Model Code of Conduct and the Expenditure Monitoring during the Lok Sabha Election 2024.
Various specialized teams including the Video Viewing Team, Video Surveillance Teams, Media Certification and Monitoring Committee, Election Flying Squad, Expenditure Monitoring Committee, Material and Stationary Monitoring and other Committees, along with Police Officers, attended the session under the guidance of the DEO.
Their collaborative efforts aim to ensure transparency, fairness, and adherence to ECI regulations throughout the election process.
In view of the Lok Sabha Elections scheduled to be held on April 19, 2024, in Ramban district as part of the 04 Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency, the District Election Officer, Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, also convened a press conference today.
Addressing media representatives, the DEO reiterated the critical importance of every participant in preserving the democratic process’s integrity. The DEO emphasized the pivotal role each individual plays in upholding the sanctity of democracy and urged them to discharge their duties with the utmost diligence and impartiality.
The DEO underscored the District Administration’s unwavering commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections, ensuring that the electoral process remains transparent and inclusive.
Media personnel were encouraged to disseminate accurate information regarding election procedures, schedules, and guidelines, thereby contributing to public awareness and participation in the democratic process.