General, Expenditure, Police Observers review election preparedness at Ganderbal

Ganderbal, Sep 5: The General Observer R. Lakshmanan, Expenditure Observer Ashok Gautam and Police Observer Bipin Shankarrao Ahire Thursday held a joint meeting here in the Conference Hall of Mini Secretariat to take first-hand appraisal of the preparedness for Assembly Elections-2024 in the district.
The meeting was attended by District Election Officer, Shyambir; SSP Ganderbal, Wasim Qadri; Additional District Development Commissioner, Mushtaq Ahmad Simnani; Additional Deputy Commissioner, Gulzar Ahmad; Dy DEO, CPO and other Nodal Officers.
At the outset, the Observers held an extensive interaction with Nodal Officers and discussed threadbare various crucial aspects related to the conduct of Assembly elections in the district.
The Observers imparted important instructions to the participants and impressed to ensure strict implementation of the Model Code of Conduct and be sufficiently vigilant while performing the duties.
The District Election Officer provided a detailed overview of arrangements including Material Management, SVEEP, Election Management Machinery, Election Expenditure Monitoring, EVM Management, arrangements at polling stations and Distribution Cum Receipt Centres (DCRC) and other measures undertaken for smooth and peaceful conduct of the forthcoming Assembly elections in the district.
It was informed that as many as 2,08,018 registered electorates are exercising their franchise in the upcoming Assembly Elections-2024 in the twin Assembly Constituencies of the district. The District Election Officer assured the Observers of the administration’s full preparedness to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections.
While reviewing the status of polling stations, the DEO informed that a total 267 polling stations are established with all facilities in 219 designated locations in the district besides Special Polling stations are also established in different locations of the district.
SSP Ganderbal briefed the meeting regarding the security plan and status of security personnel for Pre Poll and Poll day. He said that sufficient CCTV cameras are also installed on all critical locations to ensure round the clock surveillance in the district.
Furthermore, the Observers also inspected the ongoing training session being imparted to the polling staff and enjoined upon the Officers to work with added zeal and unwavering dedication to uphold sanctity of the election process and safeguarding the democratic spirit.
Meanwhile, they conducted a thorough inspection of the arrangements at the Integrated District Election Control Room and interacted with the staff, the DEO briefed them about their operations which are well-equipped and prepared to handle their responsibilities effectively.
Later, the Observers also thoroughly reviewed the arrangements at DCRC established in Degree College Ganderbal. The DEO briefed the Observers about the arrangements and action plan for dispatching poll parties and election materials to the polling stations.
They stressed on a proactive approach and continued cooperation from all the stakeholders in preserving the sanctity of our democratic institutions.
Earlier, the observers flagged-off a mega election rally from the Mini Secretariat under SVEEP, aimed to raise awareness about the importance of voting.