Malls, cinema halls, pubs and bars will remain closed on Monday in Ranchi to ensure maximum participation of the residents of the State capital in the election.
Ranchi Deputy Commissioner, Rai Mahimapat Ray, in a circular issued on Sunday, said, “Under Section 135B of Representation of the People Act, 1951, all employees are to be granted paid holiday on the day of polls. All malls, cinema halls, factories, restaurants and shops will remain closed from 7am to 4pm. Daily wagers too are entitled for their day’s pay even if they do not work on the day of poll.”
Over 60 lakh voters will exercise their franchise at 8834 polling stations spread across Ranchi, Khunti, Koderma and Hazaribag constituencies in the second phase of the 17th General Elections in Jharkhand on Monday, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) L Khinagte said on Sunday.
According to figures with the Election Commission of India (ECI), out of the total 65,87,028 voters in the four constituencies, 34,42,266 are men and 31,44,679 are women. As many as 1,09,025 millennial voters will cast their votes on Monday.
Over 18 lakh voters in Koderma, more than 19 lakh in Ranchi, nearly 12 lakh in Khunti and more than 16 lakh in Hazaribag are enrolled in the voters’ list for the polls on Monday, Khiangte said.
Ranchi also has the maximum number of urban polling stations among the four constituencies. Out of the 2376 polling stations here, 967 are in urban areas. Whereas, out of the total of 8834 polling stations, only 1312 come in the periphery of urban areas.
“The polling process in 1117 polling stations will be webcasted on Monday, out of which 463 are in Ranchi. Besides, as many as 105 polling stations will be run and managed by women. The four constituencies have a total of 347 model polling stations,” Khiangte said.
A total of 39,909 poll workers will ensure smooth polling in the over 8000 polling booths across the four constituencies. A total of 8834 control units, 13488 ballot unit and 8834 VVPAT machines will be used during the polling on Monday.
Ranchi Senior Superintendent of Police Anish Gupta said, “All arrangements have been made for the safety of the people. Each polling station will have static force. Booths in sensitive and vulnerable locations are divided into sectors of 8-10 booths and a quick response team (QRT) along with sector magistrate will be available at the locations.”
The polling parties have been given special route plan and are expected to follow that. The electronic voting machines (EVM) transport will have a GPS tracking system as well.
Even the voters who do not have a voter ID card but are registered voters will be allowed to vote by producing an alternate document such as their passport, driving license, passbook, pan card, MGNREGA job card, Aadhar card, smart card under the ministry of labor, pension document with proper photo.