DEO Srinagar stresses importance of understanding true value of vote
SRINAGAR: Continuing its endeavour to foster electoral awareness among the students to make them aware about their voting rights and democratic responsibilities, an Electoral Awareness Programme was organized at Government Girls Higher Secondary School (GGHSS), Kothibagh here, on Monday.
The awareness programme was held on the directions of the District Election Officer (DEO), Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat under the supervision of Nodal Officer SWEEP/AMS A. H Fani to empower the younger generation with knowledge about their voting rights and responsibilities and civic duty.
The DEO Srinagar, while talking about the event held under ongoing SVEEP campaign, stressed the importance of understanding the true value of a vote to encourage greater participation in the electoral process. He also commended the students for their enthusiastic participation in the Electoral Awareness Programmes in the district.
The DEO observed that the participation of the new voters in the democratic process can make a significant difference in the progress of the nation as a whole.
The District Nodal Officer SVEEP, Abdul Hamid Fani who led the Electoral Awareness Programme at GGHSS, Kothibagh briefed the participant students about the electoral process and power of vote in democracy. He emphasized the significance of every single vote and the value it holds in ensuring a thriving democracy.
He also highlighted the commitment to leave no voter behind and urged the participants to prioritize the principle of ‘No Voter to be Left Behind’.
On the culmination of the Electoral Awareness Programme, the District Nodal Officer SVEEP said that the event proved highly informative and equipped the participants with a deeper understanding of the electoral process and the power of their votes.

RO Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency chairs comprehensive preparatory meeting
BARAMULLA: In view of the upcoming General Elections to the Lok Sabha 2024, the Returning Officer, 01-Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency, Minga Sherpa, today chaired a comprehensive meeting at Dak Bunglow here to review the preparations for the smooth conduct of elections in the constituency.
The meeting was attended by the District Election Officer, Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Sopore, Shabir Ahmad Raina, National Level Master Trainer, Sameer Jan and all the Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) associated with the conduct of Lok Sabha Elections in 1-Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency.
The meeting held detailed deliberations, covering all the significant areas crucial for the smooth conduct of parliamentary elections in 1-Baramulla Constituency which comprises all the assembly segments of Districts Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora and two assembly segments of Budgam district.
During the meeting, the RO instructed the concerned officers to chalk out a detailed plan for organizing comprehensive training sessions for the employees who would be deployed to carry out poll duties on the day of the election.
Meanwhile, the RO directed the AROs responsible for individual Assembly Segments to ensure that the Booth Level Officers visit the residences of all voters aged over 85 years or with a 40% benchmark disability well in advance so that they are provided with an option to choose to vote either from their homes through ballot paper or from their designated polling stations.
Speaking on the occasion, Ayushi Sudan, DEO Kupwara stressed on the AROs to ensure that appropriate provisions are made in advance, in accordance with the guidelines of ECI, for absentee voters and service voters who will be carrying out poll duties, thereby empowering them to exercise their right to franchise.
Minga Sherpa further underscored the crucial importance for the AROs to ensure seamless coordination among themselves and with the election department during this pivotal period for the successful execution of the election process in 1-Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency.

DEO Budgam inspects collection, distribution centres
BUDGAM: The District Election Officer (DEO) Budgam, Akshay Labroo today visited various distribution and collection centres being set up for the upcoming Lok Sabha 2024 elections in the district.
The DEO, who was accompanied by SSP Budgam, Al Tahir Gillani visited centres at Degree College Charar-i-Sharief, Polytechnic College Nagam in Chadoora and Degree College Khansahab and took detailed assessment of arrangements being put up for safety, surveillance and security of Election related material and machinery to be kept at these centres during the Srinagar Lok Sabha segment of elections.
On the occasion, DEO Budgam emphasised on installation and functioning of CCTV cameras for 24×7 video surveillance of both in and outside of centres.
Instructions for establishment of separate washroom facilities for the staff were also given to the concerned.
The DEO also inspected the accommodation facilities for the security personnel and instructed concerned to ensure all required arrangements are placed in time at all designated buildings/ quarters.
The DEO directed that all centres be established as separate enclosures with separate entrances and with proper implementation of SOP and Protocol for these centres as mandated by ECI guidelines at all locations.
In order to ensure high security and safety, the DEO instructed installation of iron grills on the windows and doors of these centres.
Meanwhile, concerned were given directions for round the clock supply of electricity and water supply to all designated collection and distribution centres in the district.
The DEO said that all safety measures as per the Election Commission of India guidelines shall be implemented in letter and spirit for protection of election related material and machinery in the district.
Among others, the DEO was accompanied by ADC Budgam, Mehraj-ud-Din Shah, concerned SDMs, CPO, Dy. DEO, Nodal Officers, AROs, SE R&B, Ex. Engineers of various sectors and others concerned.

DEO Bandipora inspects various polling stations
BANDIPORA: To assess the preparedness of the polling stations and ensure the necessary standards for conducting fair and transparent elections, the District Election Officer (DEO) Bandipora, Shakeel ul Rehman on Monday conducted a comprehensive inspection of various polling stations of Bandipora.
The visit was aimed to assess the readiness of the polling stations and address any potential challenges well in advance.
During the visit, the DEO reviewed logistic arrangements, security measures and accessibility for voters and compliance with electoral guidelines, besides inspected availability of amenities such as water, electricity and other basic facilities.
He directed all the concerned to maintain vigilance and promptly address any issues related to basic amenities at polling stations.
The DEO was accompanied by Dy.DEO Bandipora, Mohammad Rafeeq Bhat; Chief Education Officer, Dr. G. M. Pujoo and others concerned.

Flying Squads, Video Surveillance Teams imparted election training in Shopian
SHOPIAN: Ahead of upcoming Lok Sabha Elections, Flying squads, Video Surveillance teams and State Surveillance teams were today imparted training under the supervision of District Election Officer, (DEO) Shopian, Faz Lul Haseeb at Mini-Secretariat, here.
The main objective of the training was to provide necessary knowledge to these teams and make them aware of carrying out their duties smoothly during the conduct of elections.
Speaking on the occasion, DEO briefed these teams about their role and responsibilities.
Training was imparted by Master Trainers, Irfan Ahmed, Bilal Ahmed, Ayatullah Rabbani and Mohammad Younus Wani.
Dy. District Election Officer, Shopian, Jahangir Ahmed; Assistant Commissioner, Panchayat, Manzoor Ahmed; Assistant Commissioner, Revenue, Shakoor Ahmed Dar and other concerned were present.

General training for poll staff commences at Ganderbal
GANDERBAL: The District Election Office, Ganderbal today started the general training for poll staff, drafted to perform duties in the upcoming General Elections to Lok Sabha, 2024.
The training started on 25th March 2024 and will be conducted at three different venues across the district till 30th of March 2024.
The training program aims to equip the poll staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure a smooth and efficient election process.
It is scheduled to cover various aspects of election duty, including the operation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines, the process of polling, and the handling of various election-related documents.
The training is being imparted by the District Level Master Trainers.
The District Election Office has made all necessary arrangements to ensure that the training is conducted in a safe and conducive environment.
The venues for the training have been chosen keeping in mind the convenience of the poll staff and are equipped with all necessary facilities.
The District Election Office urges all poll staff to attend the training and make the most of this opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge.
The District Election Office is committed to conduct free, fair and peaceful elections and believes that the training of poll staff is a crucial step towards achieving this goal.

VAFs under SVEEP organized at edu zones of Kupwara
KUPWARA: In an endeavour to extend electoral literacy to adult populations, two mega VAFs (Voter Awareness Forums) under SVEEP campaign were today organized at different education zones of Kupwara district.
As part of the calendar of activities, under SVEEP, VAFs were organized at Government Higher Secondary School Halmatpora and Government Higher Secondary School Liderwan where teachers, general public, first time voters, community leaders, local Artists and student achievers, participated.
During the VAFs, discussion and mass awareness around greater electoral process through the medium of real time activities were generated where resource persons of SVEEP imparted extensive awareness to the students and youth regarding electoral literacy.
They also motivated them to participate effectively in the election process, urging them to enhance their participation in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections for stronger democracy and strengthening the youth partnership for greater electoral participation.
Speakers also highlighted the significance of active participation of the youth in the electoral process for betterment of the nation.
Pledge taking ceremonies under SVEEP were held where participants took the pledge to vote in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
On the occasion, Cultural performance presented by local artists enthralled the participants, besides achiever students were also felicitated during the mega events.
Mass awareness regarding electoral participation was also generated through painting and Quiz competitions.
Meanwhile, plantation drives under SVEEP were conducted at Liderwan, Khumryal and Langate.

KR Desk