PULWAMA: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) J&K, Pandurang K Pole, today visited Pulwama to review the preparedness ahead of the upcoming Assembly Elections in the district.
The meeting was attended by District Election Officer (DEO) Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom; SSP Pulwama, P.D. Nitya; SSP Awantipora Aijaz Ahmad, Returning Officers (ROs), Deputy District Election Officers, District and Assembly Nodal Officers.
DEO Pulwama, Dr Basharat Qayoom briefed the CEO on the various processes of election viz completion of the nomination process, security arrangements and training provided to polling staff.
During the briefing, Dr Qayoom presented a detailed overview through a presentation, covering key aspects of the election process across the district’s four Assembly Constituencies (ACs). He also briefed the CEO about the establishment of 481 polling stations across 340 locations, serving a total of 407,692 electorates.
It was also given out that 16 special polling stations and 2 unique polling stations have been established, with a focus on ensuring accessible voting for all.
It was informed that sufficient EVMs and VVPATs, along with adequate buffer stock have been arranged, besides a detailed transport plan and human resource deployment are in place.
On the occasion, SSP Pulwama and SSP Awantipora presented the law and order arrangements, man-power distribution and the security grid for the district. Special Security Teams and Flying Squads will operate round the clock.
The DEO outlined the Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) at polling stations, including seating arrangements considering weather conditions and additional rooms for voters.
CEO directed all ROs to ensure the availability of potable water, sanitation facilities and the completion of a plantation drive at polling stations.
A special emphasis was placed on the training of control room staff, videographers and micro observers, including training on home voting processes.
PK Pole emphasized transparency and inclusivity, highlighting measures like home voting for the elderly and differently-abled, extensive Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) activities and the setting up of special women-only polling stations.
The CEO later, visited the counting halls and strong room at Government Degree College for Women, Pulwama to review arrangements.
He also participated in a Mega SVEEP program at Government Degree College Boys, Pulwama, where he engaged with students and citizens, stressing the importance of voter turnout and democratic participation.
In his address, Pandurang K Pole emphasized the importance of the upcoming elections, urging all citizens to exercise their right to vote. The CEO reiterated the commitment to ensuring free, fair and transparent elections in Pulwama, fostering a peaceful and conducive atmosphere for maximum voter participation.
Leads SVEEP Program in Pulwama
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) J&K, Pandurang K Pole, presided over a SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) program at Government Degree College (GDC) Boys in Pulwama today.
The event aimed to promote voter awareness and participation ahead of the upcoming Assembly Elections. SVEEP activities included a painting competition on “Right to Vote” and an essay competition on “India: A Democratic Nation.”
Addressing on the occasion CEO said that SVEEP is a flagship initiative focused on voter education, raising voter awareness, and promoting voter literacy.
He also highlighted the importance of voting and inclusive elections, acknowledging the efforts of ASHA and Anganwadi workers in encouraging voter turnout.
He urged voters to come out in large number and every eligible voter to exercise their right to vote on September 18th, 2024.
Students from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) Aglar performed cultural acts, including the song “Sare Jahan Se Achcha,” a skit titled “My Vote, My Future,” and a traditional Ladi Shah performance, all emphasizing voter participation.
CEO praised the students for their role in promoting electoral awareness.
District Election Officer (DEO) Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom, called for a historic voter turnout and urged active participation from the residents of Pulwama.
The program concluded with the CEO honoring students who excelled in the competitions.
SSPs of Pulwama and Awantipora, ADDC Pulwama, RO Pulwama, Nodal Officer SVEEP, and numerous students and residents, were also present on the occasion.
Reviews preparations for elections in Budgam
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Pandurang K Pole today visited Budgam district to oversee preparations for the forthcoming legislative Assembly Elections 2024.
The visit encompassed various activities like inspection of MCMC, Control Room, Counting Centre and Strong Rooms at the district headquarter.
During the visit, the CEO also chaired a meeting with all stakeholders and reviewed Assembly wise arrangements and preparations for the smooth conduct of election in all five assembly segments of the district. He stressed on the importance of strict adherence to guidelines, timelines for the Model Code of Conduct and media monitoring.
The CEO urged all stakeholders to maximize voter turnout through door-to-door campaigns under SVEEP initiative. He also directed for formation of booth-level committees and emphasized on expenditure monitoring.
The CEO emphasized on popularisation of all election related apps of ECI among the general public. He directed that activities under SVEEP be taken up like plantation, sanitation and distribution of voter slips among the electors for massive involvement of public in festival of democracy.
At the outset, the CEO also took assessment of AMF, transport, material distribution, deployment, training of staff, webcasting, home voting facility and other related preparations in the district.
During the meeting, DEO Budgam, Akshay Labroo concerned ROs and Nodal Officers briefed the CEO about arrangements related to elections in the district.
