Chronicle Reporter, Bhopal, District Collectors and Deputy District Election Officers were given training for first level checking of EVM / VVPAT at a worshop over the preparations of Madhya Pradesh Vidhan Sabha elections.
The workshop was inaugurated by Chief Electoral Officer, Smt. Salina Singh, by lighting the lamp. Co-ordinator / supervisor of EVM maker company Bharat Electronics Limited (Bel), Bengaluru posted in Madhya Pradesh were also present in the workshop.
Addressing the workshop, Smt. Salina Singh said that all the districts should start preparations for the general elections to be held later this year. The responsibility of fair, free and transparent elections lies with the District Collector and the electoral team.
A slight mistake or error during the election affects the entire election. The instructions of the Election Commission should be followed thoroughly.
Special care of the time limit should be taken. Information about election instructions should be given to the subordinate staff. It is the work of the district collectors to ensure that the electoral team from the districts work fairly and honestly. If there is difficulty or problem in the electoral process, guidance can be obtained from the Chief Electoral Officer’s office or the Election Commission.
Smt.Salina Singh told the election officials that they will be on deputation in the Election Commission, hence they have to work with utmost seriousness. Whenever there is training, be sure to join it. Prepare a deployment plan in collaboration with the Superintendent of Police.
He said that during the election many such occasions also come when tough decisions have to be taken, for this, collectors playing the role of District Election Officer should be ready. Smt. Singh told that while this time the new version of EVM M-3 will be used in the Vidhan Sabha elections. VVPAT will be used in all 230 election constituencies.
Smt. Singh said that SVEEP activities will be undertaken for voter awareness in the districts. Prachar Raths will reach the districts soon to introduce voters to VVPAT apart from EVM who should be taken to different corners of the district.
Smt. Singh told that first level checking of EVM and VVPAT being made available to the districts is an important part of election process.
So far FLC work has been started in 10 districts, the remaining districts should prepare for the same. Apart from the 13 districts, districts who have not arranged for rationalization of polling stations should get it done promptly.
Districts with shortage of R.O. and A.R.O. and election staff should send their proposal soon. The voter list should be fully pure and transparent. BLO should reach from door-to-door in all the districts.
All necessary facilities should be provided in the polling stations for the disabled. All the districts of Madhya Pradesh should get engaged in creating a favorable environment for the elections.
Smt. Saleena Singh said that all districts should pay special attention to the maintenance of EVM and VVPAT and security arrangements. District Collectors should start preparing District Election Management Plans from now itself.
Preparation should begin for arrangement of Micro Observer besides vigilance on election expenses and communication plans.
