PULWAMA, AUGUST 29: A comprehensive review meeting on poll preparedness for the upcoming General Elections to the Legislative Assembly 2024 was held today at Circuit House Pulwama.
The meeting was attended by General Observers; Manoj Kumar, Vadarevu Vinay Chand, Brajesh Narain Singh, Khartade Sudama Rao; Police Observer, Akhliesh Kumar and Expenditure Observer, Srikanth N.
The District Election Officer, Pulwama Dr Basharat Qayoom provided a detailed briefing to the observers through a PowerPoint presentation, covering various aspects critical to the successful conduct of the elections.
The presentation included an overview of the AC-wise electorate information, projected population, EPIC details and polling stations including special polling stations, details of the EVMs, human resource management, designated sectors, strong room, counting hall and facilitation centers besides transport and medical plans, SVEEP programs, social media strategy and training centers.
SSPs provided the details of law and order maintenance and the security grid covering Police Districts Pulwama and Awantipora, as per the guidelines set by the Election Commission of India.
Observers emphasized the importance of a proper election management plan, including the provision of necessary facilities at every polling station as mandated by ECI, in the form of Assured Minimum Facilities. Observers also stressed the need to ensure that every voter is facilitated appropriately, with booth level facilitation counters in place.
General Observers highlighted the importance of avoiding communication blackouts and ensuring that all facilities are accessible to the public. They reiterated the Election Commission’s commitment to free, fair and transparent elections and emphasized the need for ground-level implementation of all electoral processes to encourage public participation.
Returning Officers presented updates on the electoral process, polling arrangements for PWD and migrant voters and the transport plan. Detailed discussions were also held regarding the management of EVMs and VVPATs. The Nodal Officer for Training outlined the schedule and structure of training sessions, including the 2nd randomization process, upcoming micro-observer training and the implementation of mock polls as directed by the Election Commission of India. It was emphasized that all polling personnel must carry identity cards and that CCTV monitoring and webcasting would be conducted, with strict regulations to ensure free and fair elections.
Later, the Observers conducted a detailed inspection of the Counting Halls and Strong Rooms at the Government Degree College for Women, Pulwama.
