In a yet another step towards ensuring smooth assembly elections, District Election Officer Ananya Mittal convened a meeting with officials from the Postal Department to discuss the timely receipt of postal ballots from service voters. The meeting, held on Monday, emphasized the importance of adhering to guidelines set by the Election Commission of India.

Present at the meeting were District Supply Officer Salman Zafar Khijri, Election Officer Priyanka Singh, District Public Relations Officer  Panchanan Oraon, and other key officials involved in the electoral process.

Mittal outlined the protocol for handling postal ballots, specifically the Electronic Postal Ballot System (ETPBS). He emphasized that after service voters cast their votes, the ballots must be mailed in a plain envelope and subsequently deposited in a designated strong room after undergoing videography. "From the withdrawal of candidature up until the counting date, it is imperative that postal ballots are deposited every day by 3 PM," he stated, urging all parties to coordinate effectively with the concerned Returning Officers (ROs).

In an effort to maintain transparency, political party representatives and assembly candidates are encouraged to be present during the deposit of postal ballots.  Mittal instructed the Postal Department to identify dedicated postmen to facilitate this process. "Before the counting of votes, all ETPBS will be securely stored in the postal ballot strong room located at Udyog Kendra," he added.

Additionally, the District Election Officer directed the Postal Department to establish a nodal post office and appoint a specific postman responsible for the timely collection and deposit of service voters’ ETPBS. The Deputy Election Officer was tasked with providing detailed information regarding the designated Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) assigned to manage postal ballots at the post office.

“ This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of the electoral process and ensure that all votes are counted accurately and on time. As the assembly elections draw near, the district administration is committed to upholding the integrity and transparency of the electoral system,” said an official.

To facilitate this procedure, Mittal directed the Postal Department to appoint dedicated postmen and identify a nodal post office for efficient handling of the ETPBS. All postal ballots will be securely stored in the strong room located at Udyog Kendra before the counting day.