During a video-conference regarding election preparations here on Monday, State Election Commissioner R Parasuram directed all District Election Officers to be firm, polite and impartial in cases pertaining to the model code of conduct for urban body elections. Action should be taken in all cases without any discrimination, he added.
Parasuram said that collectors and SPs should undertake regular joint review of law and order situation. Identification and vulnerable mapping of critical polling stations should be undertaken at the earliest. He directed to create a facilitation desk to issue no-dues certificates pertaining to electricity bills and urban body dues to candidates, ensure action only in accordance with checklist and randomise EVMs in time.
Parasuram said that public hearing can be held in the urban bodies where elections are not being held.
Parasuram said that officers of Election Commissions of other states have wished to witness innovations being undertaken during urban body elections in Madhya Pradesh. They may visit the state during polling.
Parasuram said that state and district level MCMCs have been constituted to monitor paid news. He directed that these committees should act promptly.
Additional DGP Intelligence Sarvjeet Singh directed to take strict action against criminals. He said that police officers should also participate in local level training programmes. Concrete arrangements should be made for security of EVMs. He said that districts should send assessment for requirement of force at the earliest.
Parasuram also replied to questions of commissioners and collectors. Commissioners, IGs, Collectors, SPs and Deputy District Election Officers who participated in the video-conferencing.