The process for ‘Krishi Mandi’ Election-2015 has begun in Bastar division. Commissioner, Bastar Division, RP Jain reviewed the preparations of Krishi Mandi election in a meeting held here on Saturday. State government has appointed district collectors as the Election Officers for Mandi Election which will commence from February 16, 2015, officials said.
The commissioner informed that the election will be held for the post of President, 10 farmers’ representatives and a businessman member for each Mandi. Every Mandi area will be divided into 10 farmers’ wards. Based on the population, numbers of Scheduled Cast, Scheduled Tribe and Other Backward Caste along with female population in an area, demarcation and reservation of wards will be carried out.
The Commissioner informed that ward demarcation has already been carried out in some Mandis and those Mandis where demarcation has not been completed reservation will be done as per last Mandi elections. Before election voters list will be prepared, he added. “Some changes have been made in eligibility criteria for voters in 2011. For becoming a voter the farmer should have ‘patta’ of at least half acre of farming land in the records of revenue department or forest villages. Tribal people traditionally living in forest (identified under forest right act) could also vote in this election,” Jain stated.
The registration officer, assistant registration officer, deputy district election officers and appellate officers will be soon appointed for the elections. He informed that Elections would be held in different Mandis situated in Jagdalpur, Kanker, Charama, Sambalpur, Keshkal, Kondagaon, Dantewada, Geedam, Konta, Pakhanjur, Narayanpur and Bijapur.