DODA: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, today chaired a high-level meeting in the conference hall of DC Office Doda to assess the district’s preparedness for the upcoming General Election to Legislative Assembly-2024. At the outset, the Divisional Commissioner emphasized the importance of meticulous planning and coordination among all stakeholders to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections. The Divisional Commissioner sought a detailed overview of the transport plan for polling staff, the mobilization of election machinery, and the secure dispatch and reception of EVMs in designated strong rooms post-polling and other important aspects regarding election preparedness in the District. During the meeting, District Election Officer (DEO) Harvinder Singh, presented a detailed overview of the district’s election preparedness. The presentation covered key areas such as the arrangements at polling stations, the dispatch of polling parties, the collection of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) post-polling, monitoring of the Model Code of Conduct, and the status of Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) printing and delivery. The DEO Doda informed the chair on the coverage of assured minimum facilities at polling stations, the establishment of model polling stations, the division of zones and sectors, and the logistics concerning EVMs and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs). The discussion also took place on the strong room and security plans, as well as the arrangements for the dispatch, collection, and counting centres. The Div Com examined the arrangements for the dispatch of poll parties, setting up collection centres, and the provision of vehicles and other logistics to ensure a seamless conduct of the polling process. The Divisional Commissioner urged all Nodal officers and officials to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing any challenges that may arise during the election process. The Divisional Commissioner directed the officers to ensure that all preparations are completed well in advance, calling for careful planning and coordination among the departments involved in the electoral process. He also reviewed the law and order situation and security arrangements in the district. The meeting was attended by the General Observer of AC 51-Bhaderwah, Dr A Mallikarjuna, General Observer of AC 52- Doda & 53-Doda west, Aditya Negi, Police Observer, Dharamvir, DIG DKR, Shridhar Patil, District Election Officer (DEO) Doda, Harvinder Singh, SSP Doda, Mohd Aslam, Nodal Officer MCC, Pran Singh, Deputy District Election Officer, Om Parkash, Returning Officers, all District-level Nodal officers, and all Assembly-level Nodal officers for AC-51 Bhaderwah, AC-52 Doda, and AC-53 Doda West.
