In what can be termed as the first step towards preparation for the 2019 general elections in Odisha, the State’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has directed the district Collectors to submit estimates regarding expenditures for conducting the polls.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, CEO Surendra Kumar said, “This is a routine process. The Collectors have been directed to submit reports over various types of poll-related expenses such as transportation of the polling parties and preparation of infrastructures like booths and strong rooms.”“Keeping in view the price escalation and prescription of the Election Commission of India (ECI), we will do the budgeting. As per the direction of the ECI, a process has started for establishment of strong rooms in each district for safekeeping of the EVMs,” Kumar said.
He further informed that EVMs, VVPATs would be used in all the polling booth across the State during the polls.