General, Police Observer review preparations for elections in border district Rajouri

RAJOURI, APRIL 19: General Observer, Sanjeev Kumar Besra and Police Observer, Akhileshwar Singh today chaired a meeting of officers associated to review arrangements for Lok Sabha elections in Rajouri district.
During the meeting, key aspects of the election preparations were meticulously examined.
District Election Officer Rajouri, Om Prakash Bhagat, provided detailed PowerPoint presentation, elaborating the electoral landscape of the district, informing that 680 polling stations and a total of 484,725 voters are in district.
Moreover, the meeting reviewed the status of Assured Minimum Facilities at polling stations. The DEO also highlighted the completion of physical verification of polling stations, ensuring their readiness for upcoming elections.
It was informed that adequate resources, including Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines, manpower, Security and infrastructure, are in place to facilitate smooth conduct of the elections. Additionally, the establishment of training centers, dispatch/receipt centers, and strong rooms were also discussed to ensure operational efficiency of the District Election Team.
Giving further details, the District Election Officer reassured the Observers that ample manpower have been trained and deployed for the forthcoming elections.
He said a robust voter awareness campaigns in on under the SVEEP initiative to bolster voter turnout and inclusivity. The district SVEEP cell is actively engaged in organizing a myriad of awareness programs to ensure that every eligible voter is empowered to exercise their franchise he added.
The District Election Officer also informed the Observers that a special area plan had been devised for the 45 polling stations located in the border areas. Recognizing the unique challenges and security considerations of these regions, the plan aims to ensure the seamless conduct of elections while prioritizing the safety and accessibility of voters and election personnel.
Meanwhile, the Senior Superintendent of Police also briefed the observers about the comprehensive security measures taken to safeguard the electoral process. He outlined strategies to enhance security at polling stations, deployment of personnel, surveillance teams, and other measures. Additionally, the status of cash seizure by Static Surveillance Teams (SST) and Flying Surveillance Teams (FST) was given out in meeting.
The Observers also reviewed the preparations concerning shadow areas, recognizing the challenges posed by the lack of connectivity in these regions. They emphasized the necessity of deploying alternative communication methods and logistical solutions to address the requirements of these areas during the electoral process.
The Observers also reiterated the paramount importance of strict adherence to Election Commission of India guidelines. They also meticulously outlined the various tasks and duties assigned to the concerned officers encompassing a wide array of responsibilities. They directed the officers to exhibit exemplary commitment, dedication and sincerity while discharging their election duties, recognizing their pivotal role in facilitating free, fair and peaceful elections.
Later, the Observers also visited the counting centres and strong rooms established at Government Degree College Rajouri.
The meeting was attended by ADC Nowshera, Babu Ram Tandan; ADC Koteranka, Adil Mir; ASP, Abdul Majid Basu; ACR, Mohammad Jahangir Khan; Dy DEO, Shakeel Mir; SDM Thanamandi, Abid Hussain Shah; Distt Information Officer, Mohammad Nawaz Choudhary; EXEN REW, Zahir Khan and other concerned officers.