PULWAMA, SEPTEMBER 04: The District Election Officer (DEO) Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom Wednesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting with the Returning Officers (ROs) and Nodal Officers to review the ongoing election preparedness across the district.
The meeting, held in a hybrid mode with the participation of RO Pampore and Tral virtually, focused on various crucial aspects, including timelines, compliance measures and the commissioning of election processes.
The Returning Officers of all 4 assembly constituencies provided detailed account of preparations including timelines for the commissioning and preparation of EVMs, distribution of Voter Information Slips and Voter Guides preparation for Home voting and Postal Voting for categories of electors as provided in ECI guidelines.
Dr Basharat emphasized the importance of home voting facility for senior citizens above the age of 85 years and PWD with Benchmark Disability of 40% and above who choose to cast their votes from home.
The DEO directed ROs and Nodal officer to ensure compliance of ECI directives with respect to secrecy of voting and other important aspects including proper training to poll Parties, security and timely intimation to candidates for nominating their agents and representatives about date time and list of electors who choose for home voting.
For Voter Information Slips (VIS) and Voter Guides, the DEO directed ROs to complete the process of Distribution of VIS/ Voter Guides as mandated by ECI guidelines at least 5 clear days before the date of poll. He also asked ROs to cross verify distribution through AROs and supervisors and also verify themselves so that 100% distribution of VIS is ensured in time.
Each Nodal officer was asked to present the status of preparations with respect to the tasks assigned to them. Nodal Officer EVM/ Strong room Counting Hall informed that all preparations are in place for Commissioning and Counting Halls preparation is in its final stages.
The DEO directed Nodal Officer and all ROs to visit their respective counting halls and ensure each Counting Hall is completed in strict adherence to ECI guidelines.
Nodal officer MCC presented the details to permissions issued for various campaign activities to candidates and cases of violation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) wherein notices have been issued to violators.
DEO directed Nodal Officer MCC for immediate action against any violations of MCC under rules and wide publicity of C-Vigil platform where citizens can report MCC violations in real time.
Nodal Officer Welfare informed that Special provisions have been made across all polling stations for PWD voters.
For voter awareness, DEO directed Nodal officers SVEEP to intensify SVEEP activities, and ensure multiple SVEEP events are conducted across all 4 Assembly Constituencies on daily basis with the aim of reaching out to all electors in the district and ensuring their participation in the electoral process for an inclusive free and fair election process.
The DEO concluded the meeting by reiterating the importance of strict adherence to timelines and procedures to ensure a free, fair and transparent election process in Pulwama.
