The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jammu and Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole, led a crucial meeting today to assess the groundwork for the forthcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in the Jammu Parliamentary Constituency.
The meeting saw the participation of District Election Officers and Senior Superintendents of Police from Jammu, Samba, and Reasi Districts, where in-depth discussions were conducted regarding the electoral arrangements. Key topics on the agenda included the formulation of District Election Management Plans tailored for Jammu, Samba, and Reasi districts. Additionally, there were detailed talks on various aspects such as electoral processes, logistical necessities, manpower distribution, risk assessment, EVM transportation, polling personnel deployment, and security protocols.Of paramount importance was the allocation of adequate human resources and the execution of Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) plans at the booth level.
The meeting underscored the necessity of developing comprehensive material management strategies, secure route mapping, and conducting extensive training programs for Assistant Returning Officers (AROs), Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), and designated nodal officers. CEO Pole, in his address to the officials, emphasized the establishment of robust control rooms across districts to oversee crucial aspects like EVM transportation, communication from polling stations, and prompt response to emergencies.
In a bid to boost public engagement in the electoral process, AROs were tasked with launching awareness campaigns at the grassroots level. These campaigns will involve various stakeholders including Booth Level Officers (BLOs), sports personalities, government officials, youth influencers, and community leaders. Proposed activities include sports events, rallies, competitions, and door-to-door outreach initiatives.
Recognizing the significance of Adequate Minimum Facilities (AMF), the CEO instructed welfare officers to ensure that polling stations are equipped with clean washrooms, drinking water facilities, first aid kits, and uninterrupted electricity to cater to the needs of polling staff and security personnel on election day.
With meticulous planning and a focus on public involvement, authorities are gearing up to ensure smooth and efficient conduct of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in the Jammu Parliamentary Constituency.