DEO Pulwama Conducts Comprehensive Meetings with Nodal Officers and Political Parties to Ensure Smooth Assembly Election Preparations for 2024

Pulwama, August 17: In preparation for the upcoming Assembly Elections 2024, District Election Officer (DEO) Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom, IAS, has taken proactive steps to ensure a smooth and transparent election process. Dr. Qayoom chaired a series of comprehensive meetings with Nodal Officers and representatives of political parties, focusing on the meticulous planning and coordination required for the elections.

During a key meeting with Nodal Officers, Dr. Qayoom emphasized the importance of adhering to the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) directives and electoral laws. The meeting, held in response to the ECI’s announcement of the election schedule, highlighted the various responsibilities assigned to officers, including the management of the election portal, home voting procedures, and the seamless conduct of elections across  four Assembly Constituencies (ACs).

To ensure continuous support, a 24/7 control room has been activated, equipped with a dedicated team and a 1950 helpline for handling election-related inquiries. The C-Vigil application and MCMC operations will also be closely monitored from this control room. Special attention has been given to Accessible Voting Facilities (AMF).

Dr. Qayoom also reviewed the arrangements for General Observers, Expenditure Observers, and Police Observers, ensuring that infrastructure and IT setups is ready. National level and District level master trainers have been tasked to provide training to various election related Manpower including Nodal officers, zonal /Sector officers sector Police officers and Polling Parties.

The logistics for election materials, including EVMs and VVPATs, have been finalized, and security arrangements are being prioritized. Additionally, hundreds of programs under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) initiative have been planned to boost voter awareness, with each Assembly Constituency hosting a mega event.

In a parallel meeting with political party representatives, Dr. Qayoom stressed the importance of adhering to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). DEO issued strict directives to Officers and stakeholders for adherence to MCC. Detailed briefings and PowerPoint presentations were provided on the MCC and the IT platforms available, such as Suvidha C-Vigil EEM etc. which are essential for managing nominations, obtaining necessary permissions, and monitoring election expenditure.

Dr. Qayoom concluded by reiterating the need for responsibility, strict vigilance, and immediate reporting of any issues to ensure a fair, transparent, and efficient election process in Pulwama.