LS Polls: Poonch Admn discusses preparedness

Officers of district administration Poonch during a meeting on Thursday.
Officers of district administration Poonch during a meeting on Thursday.

Excelsior Correspondent

POONCH, May 23: District Election Officer Poonch, Yasin M. Choudhary here today held a final meeting to discuss the preparedness for Lok Sabha Elections 2024.
The meeting was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police, Poonch, Yougal Manhas; Additional Deputy Commissioner, Poonch, Tahir Mustafa Malik; AROs from Haveli, Mendhar and Surankote; all Zonal Magistrates, Sectoral Magistrates, Nodal Officers, Micro Observers, Zonal Police Officers, Sectoral Police Officers, Polling Staff and Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
The meeting focused the importance of maintaining fair and transparent electoral process. The Sector and Zonal Officers were briefed on their roles and responsibilities during pre-poll, poll day and post-poll activities.
Various logistical and operational issues were discussed including light arrangements at Polling Stations, security measures, lunch arrangements and the timely dispatch of polling parties along with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
Sectoral Officers were instructed to verify the deployment of security forces and provide timely reports to the Control Room.
On the day of polling, Sectoral Officers will be tasked with conducting frequent inspections of Polling Stations, monitoring the presence of security forces, supervising the activities of Polling Agents and promptly addressing any issues or complaints that may arise.
They will also oversee the proper handling and sealing of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPATs) at the conclusion of polling.
The District Election Officer emphasized on the critical role of each officer in fostering the conducive environment for free and fair elections.