Kupwara : Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Jammu and Kashmir, P K Pole on Friday conducted a comprehensive review of preparations being put in place in Kupwara district for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024.
The purpose of the visit was to assess readiness of the district administration for the electoral process. The CEO was accompanied by Police Observer, Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency, Ravi Shankar.
On the occasion, the CEO chaired a meeting of the Nodal Officers and AROs, wherein District Election Officer (DEO), Ayushi Sudan presented the comprehensive plan details of major components of the election preparedness through a PowerPoint Presentation. She informed that all arrangements for the upcoming free and fair elections in the district have been made.
Ayushi Sudan while apprising the chair said that a contingency , emergency evacuation plan and communication plan has been prepared for 75 polling stations of the district which are located at high altitude areas close to LOC.
The CEO took a detailed assembly constituency wise review of critical components of the ongoing election process including AMF’s at Polling stations, scope of plantation , Dispatch and reception centers , Transport plan, training and arrangements for poll staff, Material Management, AMF, manpower, SVEEP, MCC, material management, Special Polling Stations, media monitoring etc.
Highlighting the significance of Adequate Minimum Facilities (AMF) at polling stations, the CEO underscored the importance of creating a conducive environment for voters to exercise their democratic rights freely and fairly. He emphasized the need for plantation drives at polling stations and open spaces by roping in the Forest department and social forestry. He also emphasized to provide basic facilities in all polling stations on the poll day.
CEO ,While reviewing the status of activities under SVEEP, directed concerned Nodal Officer SVEEP to conduct more robust voter awareness campaigns across the district so that voter turnout in the district touches new heights.
The CEO emphasized for conducting innovative activities under SVEEP to ensure that every eligible voter is empowered to exercise his franchise.
Interacting with the nodal officers, The CEO reiterated the importance of strict adherence to ECI guidelines and robust media monitoring to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process. He directed the officers to exhibit exemplary commitment, dedication and sincerity while discharging their election duties, recognizing their pivotal role in facilitating free, fair and peaceful elections.
CEO directed to earmark a Sector Officer for polling stations located at remote areas where travel time is more.
Meeting was attended by SSP Kupwara, SSP Handwara, ADDC Kupwara, ADC Handwara, AROs, Election Nodal Officers and other concerned officers.
Meanwhile, CEO visited Election control room and Media certification , Monitoring committee (MCMC) and took the first hand appraisal of functioning and enquired about the daily activities .
The CEO accompanied by the Police Observer later visited the Strong Room and undertook inspection of the arrangements being put in place for safety, surveillance and security of EVMs.
Earlier CEO accompanied by DEO Kupwara, Ayshi Sudan inaugurated a Mega event of live Art Exhibition under SVEEP at TRC Kupwara where made the signature on the voter Pledge sign board. He inspected the live painting, calligraphy, Mehandi embroidery, sculpture making in an effort to promote awareness and education among voters for their active participation in Lok sabha elections 2024.
The CEO interacted with young voters and urged them to motivate their relatives and friends to participate in elections.
