During a press conference on Wednesday, District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner Shekhar Jamuar, together with Superintendent of Police Dipak Kumar Pandey, detailed the arrangements for the forthcoming Assembly General Elections in 2024. Jamuar stressed that all election-related tasks are being carried out in full compliance with the directives from the Election Commission of India
To ensure 100% compliance with the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), authorities are closely monitoring potential disruptions, including illegal liquor sales and other activities, with the help of a flying squad team, static surveillance units, video surveillance teams, and video viewing teams. The c-Vigil App has already brought several cases to light, all of which are currently being addressed.
For the 2024 Assembly General Elections, the Garhwa district is set to host 419,614 voters in the 80-Garhwa Assembly Constituency, of which 214,962 are male and 204,652 are female. Meanwhile, the 81-Bhawanathpur Assembly constituency will have a total of 440,321 voters, including 228,076 males and 212,245 females. Notably, the 80-Garhwa Assembly Constituency has 20,759 voters aged 18-19 years, comprising 8,649 males and 12,110 females, while the 81-Bhawanathpur Assembly Constituency has 21,049 voters in the same age range, with 8,985 males and 12,064 females.
To facilitate the voting process, various polling stations have been designated, including Women Managed Polling Stations (PS) - 07 in Garhwa and 03 in Bhawanathpur, as well as a Youth Managed PS and PWD Managed PS in Garhwa. Additionally, 45 Micro-Observers have been assigned to oversee 124 polling stations in Garhwa, while 51 observers will supervise 168 polling stations in Bhawanathpur.
Jamuar concluded by urging all voters in Garhwa district to participate in the electoral process and cast their ballots on the designated election day, November 13, 2024, thus contributing to the strength of democracy.
Superintendent of Police Deepak Kumar Pandey announced significant measures taken to ensure a secure electoral environment in Garhwa district ahead of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) implementation on October 15, 2024. He reported the seizure of illegal substances, including country liquor, foreign liquor, chulay liquor, Java Mahua, ganja, and drugs, amounting to approximately 2.94 crore rupees across various checkpoints.
Pandey stated that magistrates and police officers are actively deployed at all checkpoints, with vehicles being thoroughly inspected. The entire operation is monitored continuously via webcam. Daily check posts are set up at random locations, reinforcing the campaign against illegal activities. To date, 20 cases related to the MCC have been registered, resulting in preventive action against 18 individuals.
In terms of security, personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been assigned to every police station within the district. Additionally, on polling day, a sufficient number of police will be on duty, with arrangements in place for postal ballots. Preventive measures have already been enacted against 2,049 individuals identified as potential electoral influencers, with 1,300 subjected to binding restrictions under Section 120 of the BNSS. Furthermore, action has been taken against 21 individuals under the CCA.
In preparation for the elections, a directive from the Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer resulted in the deposit of 620 weapons from various arms license holders within the district, alongside the cancellation of four licenses and exemptions granted to 21 others.
Pandey noted the execution of 383 non-bailable warrants through ongoing raids targeting individuals wanted in previous cases. He emphasized the establishment of the Mirror Check Post at the borders with Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, facilitated by cooperation from senior police officials from these states. This collaborative effort ensures joint surveillance at the checkpoints.
