JAMMU: To further strengthen the Election expenditure monitoring mechanism of Jammu and Kashmir and in preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, a comprehensive one-day training program was organized for officers of various enforcement agencies today at Nirvachan Bhawan, Jammu.
The program was attended by officers of enforcement agencies of the Union Territory including the Police, Army, and BSF.
The officers presented a brief overview of the major actions undertaken by their departments in the past two general elections with a roadmap of action for Lok Sabha Elections, 2024. The participants were briefed about all the important aspects of expenditure management and were asked to bolster surveillance by establishing control rooms at the district level for 24*7 scrutiny and effective monitoring
Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole, inaugurated the session and called for better coordination among the agencies for ensuring free and inducement-free elections in J&K.
Specifically targeting potential threats, the CEO tasked the BSF and other intelligence agencies with combating narcotics smuggling along the international border and thwarting the circulation of counterfeit currency. Additionally, a call to action was extended to curtail illicit financial activities, including hawala transactions.
The Excise Department was tasked with enforcing stringent regulations on liquor stocking and distribution, with a mandate to eradicate illicit alcohol production. Concurrently, directions were also issued to extend vigilance to prevent the misuse of cash transportation before and during the Election Period.
Chief Electoral Officer, in his closing address, apprised the officers of various election-related aspects highlighting the need for better vigilance and enhanced surveillance for peaceful and incident-free elections.
