The Election Commission of India on Saturday reviewed the preparedness of the Haryana Government for the upcoming lok Sabha polls. Alok Shukla, Deputy Election Commissioner, ECI, said he had asked the DEOs to ensure facilities as drinking water, ramp and toilet at every polling station for which help of NGOs and social workers could be sought. Video-recording and web-casting should be done at sensitive polling stations to identify the miscreants in case of any trouble.
In case of any problem at polling station, the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) would be deposited at a separate counter to avoid any difficulty in identifying the EVM later. He directed the Excise Department to check the stock of liquor at all godowns after the announcement of elections and, if possible, take report of daily usage.
Shukla also directed HARTRON and NIC to update the data related to officers concerned with elections. Officers were told to coordinate with the media and ensure timely dissemination of information so that all voters could remain updated with instructions and directions of the ECI. Shrikant Walgad, Chief Electoral Officer, Haryana, said that Model Polling Stations would be set up in every block. A cycle rally would be organised by the State Election Commission in the state on March 1 to make people aware about voting. Besides, 172 campus ambassadors have been appointed in educational institutes for inspiring the youth to cast their vote.
Walgad said that a State level meeting of representatives of various political parties would be organised on February 26 where they would be made familiar with the guidelines of the ECI regarding the code of conduct, paid news and poll expenditure.