In order to ensure smooth and secure elections in the Delhi Assembly, a high-level meeting on poll preparedness was held on Monday which featured a detailed review of law and order, focusing on the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and strategies for handling sensitive zones.
The meeting saw the participation of District Election Officers (DOs), Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCPs), Deputy Commissioners (DCs) from the zones of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Returning Officers (ROs), Police Observers, Expenditure Observers, General Observers, senior officials from the police, MCD, NDMC, the Cantonment Board, and officials from the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) office.
Senior officers from the Election Commission of India (ECI), along with R. Alice Vaz, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Delhi, also attended the meeting. The State Police Nodal Officer was present to oversee coordination efforts.
The meeting featured a detailed review of law and order. Plans were finalized to ensure enhanced security in areas requiring special attention, with CAPF deployment as a key measure.
Another major focus of the meeting was the monitoring of election expenditures with expenditure observers providing valuable input on mechanisms to curb excessive spending and ensure compliance with ECI guidelines.
The discussion also covered updates on Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violation. The MCD reported significant progress in its defacement removal drive, with over 13 lakh posters, banners, and hoardings removed across the city.
Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) activities were another point of review. Plans presented by Returning Officers for voter awareness were well-received, and further implementation was encouraged to boost informed voter participation.
Processes for home voting by Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and Senior Citizens are running smoothly, according to officials. Special attention was given to the distribution of Voter Information Slips (VIS), with the goal of ensuring 100 per cent distribution by January 31.
The meeting also focused on providing Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) at all polling stations. Essential facilities like permanent ramps with appropriate gradients, proper parking, signage, clean drinking water, waiting sheds, medical kits, accessible toilets, and adequate lighting were emphasized for each polling station.
Key issues discussed included prompt complaint redressal, resolution of concerns raised by candidates and political parties, comprehensive training for polling personnel, 100 per cent webcasting at polling stations on election day, welfare measures for polling staff, and efficient arrangements at counting centers.
Directions were also issued to ensure that polling officers send a copy of Form-17C (Part-1) to the Nodal officer at the Assembly Constituency (AC) level immediately after polling is completed.