Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 20: Command and Control Centre, which was made functional with the commencement of the Lok Sabha elections-2024, today ensured thorough monitoring of all the Polling Stations across the Baramulla Parliamentary constituency.
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As has been the routine on polling days, the process for the fifth phase began at 5 a.m. and continued until the culmination of the electoral process, with the sole aim of ensuring free and fair elections and monitoring Model Code of Conduct violations.
Officials at the Command-and-Control Centre-operating from four different locations in Srinagar as well as in Jammu and involving around 300 people overseeing the overall process-told Excelsior that each polling station was equipped with two cameras.
“For the day, a total of 2,103 Polling Stations were set up in four districts of the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency, including Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, and Budgam. The total number of cameras installed is 4,205, with two per station,” said Riyaz Ahmad, Incharge of the Command-and-Control Centre.
According to authorities, one camera monitors the outer area of the Polling Station, while the other observes the polling process inside.
“In case of any violation outside, or if there is a violation of secrecy, action is taken promptly. Concerned officials at a Polling Station where the violation is noted are contacted. There is also a voice feature which we use to notify them,” Riyaz said.
He added that, in addition, control rooms were set up at the offices of Deputy Commissioners. “They are also informed about spotted violations and necessary corrective measures. If there is a need for action, it is ensured immediately.”
Officials noted that they are working around the clock, especially on polling day, to ensure there are no violations and that the elections are free and fair.
“When the election was held in the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency, we did not note any major violations, and the same was true for today when Baramulla was voting,” he said, noting that “small violations,” such as carrying mobile phones, were addressed immediately.
Apart from ensuring surveillance at the Polling Stations, the Incharge of the Command Centre also mentioned that they have a separate cell to monitor social media regularly and report violations, if any, to the concerned officials.
“So far, through our social media cell, we have identified nearly 140 suspected violations, several of which were genuine and were then forwarded to the concerned officials for necessary action.”
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