No stone should be left unturned in the preparations for Lok Sabha elections 2024. It is important to work promptly regarding election preparations and there is no scope for laxity. Wherever any deficiency is noticed, remove it immediately. Expecting all the present officials to discharge their duties with full responsibility, he directed them to fully comply with the guidelines of the Election Commission of India, said Chief Electoral Officer, Jharkhand K Ravi Kumar while reviewing the preparations for elections in Hazaribagh, Ramgarh and Koderma districts today in the meeting room of Hazaribagh Collectorate.
In the review meeting, the preparations for Lok Sabha Elections-2024 were reviewed point by point with the District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police and other senior officials.
The Chief Electoral Officer directed the district administration officials and police officials to quickly complete all necessary preparations to conduct peaceful, clean, fair and fear-free elections. Chief Electoral Officer and State Police Nodal Officer said that the concerned officers will be responsible for criminal incidents.
Chief Electoral Officer, Jharkhand activated the social media cell and directed to keep a close watch on social media posts and take action against objectionable posts. Also publicize the toll free numbers of social media cells of all the districts on which common people can also lodge complaints related to this.
The Chief Electoral Officer and State Police Nodal Officer directed to strictly investigate the inter-state and district check posts and ensure action against criminal and anti-social elements. Strict instructions were given to completely stop the movement of illegal liquor and weapons by appointing adequate force and magistrates at the check posts, conducting an intensive investigation campaign, monitoring through CCTV and monitoring their implementation by conducting surprise inspections at the check posts.
State Police Nodal Officer A.V.Homkar directed to ensure necessary security arrangements by keeping a strict vigil on the identified sensitive and highly sensitive polling stations of the districts. He said that for the polling stations which are likely to be sensitive, exercises regarding deployment of adequate security forces should be ensured from now on. He said that security of polling party, EVMs, voters including election material, equipment and everyone is necessary. Safety is our first priority. Conducting elections on zero risk principle will be our achievement.
He directed to strengthen alternative communication mediums for shadow areas. He said that officials should ensure to comply with their duties, negligence in election work will not be tolerated. He directed to strictly follow all the guidelines related to maintenance of law and order in election work. Besides, instructions were given to ensure electricity supply at the clusters and polling stations, so that along with proper lighting, essential electronic devices like mobiles etc. can be charged.
State Police Nodal Officer A. V. Homkar coordinated the Excise Superintendent and police officials and directed them to raid all the inter-state border areas within 7 days and demolish illegal liquor distilleries. Also directed to ensure legal action by arresting the kingpin and dealer involved in the business of manufacturing and transporting illegal liquor and other banned substances, and also asked to take strict action against those possessing illegal firearms.
In view of the election work, the State Police Nodal Officer directed to strengthen the arrangements there by doing physical verification of the permanent and temporary helipads. He said that officials should do joint practice of arranging helipads from now on, so that they can be used in polling parties and emergency services.
In the review meeting, Chief Electoral Officer K. Ravi Kumar, State Police Nodal Officer A. V. Homkar, CRPF IG Rakesh Aggarwal, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Dr. Neha Arora, Commissioner of North Chotanagpur Division, Hazaribagh Suman Catherine Kispotta, IG of Hazaribagh Zone, Hazaribagh DIG, Hazaribagh, Ramgarh and Koderma District District Election Officer-cum -Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Reserves, Commandant of CRPF and all senior officials related to Lok Sabha elections were present.
