DEO/DC Srinagar reviews preparedness for upcoming Lok Sabha Election

SRINAGAR MARCH 13 (RNA) :- Deputy Commission (DC) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, who is also the District Election Officer(DEO) today chaired a meeting here at Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex to review the preparedness for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections in District. At the outset, the DEO/DC Srinagar held a detailed discussion with the Assistant Returning Officers(AROs), designated Nodal Officers and Officers/Officials of District Election Authority Srinagar to assess the important aspects of the Election process mainly aimed at ensuring smooth and peaceful general elections in Srinagar District. The DEO/DC took a first-hand appraisal of the preparedness regarding various crucial aspects and activities for upcoming Lok Sabha Elections including assessment of logistical requirements, manpower management plan, transportation of poll staff/Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), training management, expenditure monitoring, media communication, transport management, PWD voters, SVEEP activities and randomization of polling staff. The DEO/DC asked the AROs and designated Nodal Officers to take all required measures to ensure that every necessary facility is made available at polling locations/stations, distribution/collections centres. He also stressed them to gear up the all available men and machinery on ground to ensure an effective and meticulous election management plan. The DEO instructed for establishing a robust District Level Control Room to efficiently monitor the forthcoming election. He also laid emphasis on ensuring Adequate Minimum Facilities (AMF) at all polling booths for electorates, polling staff and the security personnel deployed for electoral duties on the election day. The DEO emphasised the importance of effective coordination among all stakeholders to ensure the smooth, transparent and peaceful conduct of the electoral process. He directed all the designated Nodal officers to complete their allotted tasks on time and maintain cooperation and coordination with the line executing Departments. He further asked them to go through comprehensive ECI guidelines regarding duties and responsibilities during the election period. The DEO also asked the AROs to undertake a visit to Distribution/Collection Centres to ensure all requisite arrangements are put in place in adherence to the guidelines of Election Commission of India. The DEO also asked the Officers to undertake necessary technological upgradation/ training of the poll staff with respect to the IT interventions launched by the ECI. Additional Deputy Commissioner (ARO/ERO- Zadibal), Dr Khalid Hussain Malik, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ARO/ERO- Hazratbal), Syed Ahmad Kataria, Deputy District Election Officer, Imtiyaz Ahmad, Other AROs, Designated Nodal Officers for elections and other concerned from District Election Authority were present in the meeting.