Sanjay Kumar Pandey

Ranchi: In a meeting held at the District Collectorate auditorium in Jamshedpur, the Police Observer, General Observer, and Expenditure Observer reviewed the progress of election preparations and outlined upcoming plans with nodal and in-charge officers from all departments. The session emphasized conducting the election process in a free, fair, and transparent manner, with crucial directives given to ensure compliance. The District Election Officer and the Senior Superintendent of Police, along with Returning Officers (ROs), were present. During the meeting, the observers conducted a sequential review of the work being executed by various departments and instructed officers to diligently fulfill their roles with attention to detail and adherence to the mandate of a free, impartial, and fear-free election.

All departments were urged to work in harmony and coordination. Key points covered included the availability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs), vehicle arrangements, booth mapping, checkpoints, election expense tracking, C-Vigil monitoring, integrated control room, and the functioning of Flying Squad Teams (FST), Video Surveillance Teams (VST), and Video Viewing Teams (VVT). Additionally, discussions involved addressing cases of Model Code of Conduct violations, seizure of cash and illegal liquor, action against freebie distribution, activities of the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee, vigilance on spending by political parties and candidates, postal ballots, Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) activities, and handling of paid news. Observers also ensured that all minimum facilities at polling stations, training for polling personnel, and appointment of sector and zonal officers were in place. They emphasized strict adherence to the Election Commission’s guidelines throughout the election process and encouraged nodal and in-charge officers to implement these guidelines meticulously.