DEO Kupwara interacts with Sector, Zonal Magistrates, Sector Police Officers
KUPWARA: To review election preparedness ahead of the Assembly elections in Kupwara district on October 1st, the District Election Officer (DEO), Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan convened a review meeting cum interactive session with Zonal Magistrates, Sector Magistrates, and Sector Police officers at meeting Hall of DC Office Complex here on Thursday.
The session aimed to ensure a robust election process and emphasized the critical role these officers play in upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
The DEO stressed the importance of strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct and instructed the magistrates to ensure impartiality in their duties. She highlighted the need to monitor and address any instances of electoral malpractice and reporting to concerned quarters well in time.
She said that Magistrates are vital to the smooth functioning of assembly elections, ensuring that the democratic process is carried out efficiently, securely, and fairly on poll day and prior to polls.
She further said that their responsibilities are integral to the electoral process especially in maintaining law and order situation and addressing any issue that may arise at the polling stations.
The DEO also called on the officers to remain vigilant and be in sync with the latest protocols and procedures mandated by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
She said that in case of any significant issues, such as malfunctioning of EVMs, disruption of the voting process, or law and order disturbances, Magistrates are first emergency responders and they have to take immediate action and report to higher election authorities.
She further said that Magistrates act as a point of contact between polling officials at polling stations and Election authorities, besides this they will have to establish contacts and have close coordination with all agencies of the concerned area.
DEO directed concerned magistrates to visit all their allotted polling stations by tomorrow and take first hand appraisal of AMFs, security concerns and other shortcomings if any and report back. She emphasized that submission of 2-hourly error free voter turnout reports are very crucial for magistrates on the day of poll.
Sameer Jan, Special Nodal officer elections provided insights to the Magistrates for a seamless voting process on the day of the election and prior to election. He stressed them to participate in the training regarding familiarization of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and other processes without any fail.

SVEEP: Mega awareness prog to boost Voter Participation held in Baramulla
BARAMULLA: A mega awareness programme under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) initiative was held on Thursday in Baramulla, drawing hundreds of students, Officers and officials to promote voter awareness.
The event began with a car rally flagged-off by Returning Officer 10-Baramulla, Arshad Ahmad Khan and Nodal Officer SVEEP, Shabir Ahmad Khan, at Dak Bungalow Baramulla.
Following the car rally, a mega student rally commenced from Dak Bungalow and culminated at Showkat Ali Stadium Baramulla. Hundreds of students participated in the rally, holding placards and banners that advocated voter awareness and the importance of electoral participation. The rally aimed to engage the youth in the democratic process and amplify the message of voter education throughout the community.
The programme featured various activities, including painting and essay competitions, cultural performances and skits highlighting the significance of voting. These activities not only entertained but also educated the audience, especially students on the vital role each voter plays in a democracy.
A pledge was also taken by the participants, committing themselves to actively participate in the electoral process and encourage others to do the same.
Speaking on the occasion, Returning Officer 10-Baramulla emphasized the importance of educating young voters and the impact such awareness drives have on the overall electoral process. He lauded the enthusiasm of the students and encouraged them to be proactive participants in democracy.
Nodal Officer SVEEP, Shabir Ahmad Khan, also addressed the gathering, praising the efforts of the students and organizers.
The event was a vibrant showcase of democratic engagement, marked by the active involvement of students, educators, and officials, making a significant contribution to the promotion of voter awareness in Baramulla.

SVEEP activities held in various schools in Kupwara
KUPWARA: On the directions of District Election Officer Kupwara and as a key component of the ongoing Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) campaign, District Nodal Officer SVEEP (CEO Kupwara) on Thursday organized awareness programmes in various schools to educate the voters about their voting rights and responsibilities.
The SVEEP committee under the direction of District Nodal Officer SVEEP conducted a series of Awareness Campaign at BHSS Sanzipora, Boys High School Keegam, Hr. Sec. School Warpora and Hr. Sec. School Keran.
The events witnessed enthusiastic participation from new voters and disabled individuals. Awareness about regular broadcasts and publications to keep the public informed about key electorate its procedures and updates were also given.

KR Desk