SPreparations for the Lok Sabha elections are being finalized. There will be no laxity or excuses in preparations. If you feel hot or sunny, apply a towel on your forehead and ensure preventive actions by visiting the area. Better results are needed in the preparations for election work,” said Chief Electoral Officer, Jharkhand K Ravi Kumar while reviewing the preparations made so far in Garhwa district of Palamu Lok Sabha constituency in Garhwa district on Friday.
In the meeting the CEO directed to impose a complete ban on the sale and movement of illicit liquor. He directed to take strict action against the accused by conducting intensive raids and investigation campaigns in the entire district area as well as in the block and police station areas of the border area. He directed the Excise Superintendent to coordinate with the police officials to stop the sale of illegal liquor and take strict action against the persons involved and submit the report by April 22, 2024. He directed the officials to complete all necessary preparations to ensure peaceful, fair and fear-free voting.
The Chief Electoral Officer directed to speed up the process of depositing weapons. He also instructed to cancel the arms licenses of those who do not deposit their arms and instructed to take action in case of violation of Model Code of Conduct. He also directed for timely management of vehicles engaged in election work.
The CEO directed to provide health facilities at the polling stations. He mapped the polling booths to the health department and deploy ANM, GNM Sahiya etc and provide necessary medicines so that the health related problems of the polling personnel and the voters coming to the polling booth on the day of polling could be diagnosed.
Kumar said that this time voting will be held throughout the day as per the instructions of the Election Commission of India. Voting is to be held from 7 am to 5 pm at all polling stations. He directed to conduct intensive investigation by keeping special vigil on inter-state and inter-district check posts.
He said that it is summer season. The problem of water has started coming to the fore, in such a situation, ensure complete arrangements for drinking water supply at the polling stations. He instructed to ensure availability of drinking water supply through tankers at polling stations facing water shortage.
State Police Nodal Officer A. V. Homkar directed to launch a special campaign against all history-sheeters, kingpins and warrantors and take action to arrest them. He said that the safety of everyone including polling parties, EVMs, voters, security forces is the priority of all of us. He directed to take action against those who influence voters during elections including criminals, anti-social elements and miscreants. Along with this, instructions were given to take other action including confiscation against fugitives and criminals hiding at various places and submit the report.
The Chief Electoral Officer and State Police Nodal Officer directed to keep the social media cell active and maintain strict vigil 24 hours. Also ensure to take action against the person concerned on objectionable and fake news posts.
The CEO also flagged off the voter awareness chariot for Garhwa district of Palamu Lok Sabha constituency from the Garhwa Collectorate premises under the SVEEP program. Voters will be made aware through this chariot equipped with LEDs.
In the review meeting, Chief Electoral Officer K. Ravi Kumar, State Police Nodal Officer A.V. Homkar, STF DIG Inderjit Mahatha, Palamu Zone IG Narendra Kumar Singh, DIG YS Ramesh, Garhwa District Election Officer Shekhar Jamuar, Superintendent of Police Deepak Kumar Pandey, state level in-charge of SVEEP Devdas Dutta and all the officials related to the election were present.
