Srinagar, Apr 27: The General Observer for 02-Srinagar parliamentary constituency Mukul Kumar along with Police Observer, Sandeep Singh Chauhan and Expenditure Observer, Sambit Mishra Saturday held a joint meeting at SKICC here to take first hand appraisal of the preparedness for Lok Sabha Polls in the 02-Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency.
The constituency comprises 18 Assembly segments of Ganderbal, Srinagar, Budgam (partly), Pulwama (partly) and Shopian (partly) districts.
The observers held an extensive interaction with Assistant Returning Officers (ARO) and Nodal Officers for the Model Code of Conduct, Expenditure, and Media Certification and Monitoring Committee and discussed threadbare various vital aspects related to the conduct of Lok Sabha polls in the constituency.
They held a detailed discussion about enforcement of MCC, expenditure monitoring, security plan, transport and communication plan besides functioning of VST and flying squads, training of poll staff, AMF at polling stations, SVEEP activities and other measures undertaken for smooth and peaceful conduct of the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls in the constituency.
On the occasion, the General Observer enjoined the officers to work with added zeal and unwavering dedication to uphold the sanctity of the election process and safeguard the democratic spirit.
He also urged them to ensure strict enforcement of MCC and other guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to ensure smooth, fair, and transparent conduct of polls in the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat.
Kumar stressed on proactive approach from all the stakeholders to encourage maximum voters so that enhanced voter turnout is registered during upcoming elections in the 02-Srinagar parliamentary constituency.
He stressed on completion of the EPIC distribution process in the constituency.
The Expenditure Observer Sambit Mishra emphasised the need for coordination among various monitoring teams for effective expenditure overseeing and stressed the prompt reporting of ECI violations concerning election expenditure booking.
He also underscored the efficient monitoring of the media to contain any misuse of election expenditure by the contesting candidates in the district.
Mishra emphasised instant sharing and uploading of the information related to any kind of seizure, if any in the constituency as per ECI norms.
The Police Observer Sandeep Singh Chauhan stressed the officers to work
with utmost coordination to ensure incident-free and smooth conduct of the Lok Sabha polls in the constituency.
Earlier, the Returning Officer 02-Srinagar parliamentary constituency apprised the observers regarding the preparations for the free, fair, and peaceful conduct of the Lok Sabha polls in the constituency.
The Returning Officer said that 17,48,091 registered electorates were exercising their franchise in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in the Srinagar parliamentary constituency including 8,75,865 males 8,72,165 females and about 61 transgenders.
He said that 2135 polling stations had been set at 1323 designated locations across all 18 assembly segments of the constituency including 260 polling stations in two assembly segments of Ganderbal district, 929 polling stations in eight assembly segments of Srinagar district, 345 in three assembly segments of Budgam district, 479 polling stations in four assembly segments of Pulwama district, and 122 polling stations in one assembly segment of Shopian district.
The Returning Officer said that model polling stations had also been set up at various locations across the parliamentary constituency to facilitate the voters on the polling day and welcome them to experience a festive-like environment.
He said that dedicated facilities for voters including clean drinking water and ramps for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) were also meticulously arranged to enhance the voting experience.
The District Election Officers (DEOs) of Pulwama, Ganderbal, Budgam, and Shopian also briefed the observers about the preparations put in place for the Lok Sabha polls in their respective districts.
Similarly, Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) apprised the observers about the preparations for security aspects to ensure smooth and peaceful conduct of the polling within their respective jurisdictions.
The meeting was attended by all the 18 Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) of the 02-Srinagar parliamentary constituency.
Returning Officer (RO) 02-Srinagar parliamentary Constituency, Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat; District Election Officer (DEO) Pulwama, Basharat Qayoom; District Election Officer (DEO) Ganderbal, Shyambir; District Election Officer (DEO) Budgam, Akshay Labroo, and District Election Officer (DEO) Shopian, Faz Lul Haseeb were present in the meeting.
SSPs of Srinagar, Pulwama, Budgam, Ganderbal and Shopian districts also attended the meeting.
Besides, Nodal Officers for MCC, Nodal Officers for Expenditure, and Nodal Officers for Media Certification and Monitoring Committee of Ganderbal, Srinagar, Budgam (partly), Pulwama (partly) and Shopian (partly) districts and Deputy District Election Officers of all the districts were also present in the meeting.