With the Lok Sabha elections 2024 looming, the meticulous preparations for the secure handling of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are underway. District Election Officer  Ananya Mittal and Senior Superintendent of Police  Kishore Kaushal conducted an extensive inspection of the EVM dispatch/receiving centers and warehouses to ensure all necessary arrangements are in place.

Accompanied by Deputy Development Commissioner  Manish Kumar, City SP  Mukesh Lunayat, Rural SP  Rishabh Garg, and other administrative and police officials,  Mittal and  Kaushal meticulously reviewed the facilities at Co-operative College, LBSM College, and Kitadih.

The inspection focused on various aspects, including the route plan, communication plan, security arrangements, and traffic management. Special attention was given to the safe maintenance of EVMs in the strong rooms, 24x7 CCTV monitoring, and barricading to ensure utmost security.

Following the inspection, necessary guidelines were issued to the officials present on-site. Emphasis was placed on adhering to Election Commission guidelines regarding the handling and transportation of EVMs. It was mandated that only vehicles equipped with GPS should be used for the shifting of EVMs.

Furthermore, stringent instructions were given to seal the strong room securely, maintain a logbook of personnel entering the premises, and ensure round-the-clock surveillance through CCTV cameras.

During the visit to the EVM warehouse, the shifting team was instructed to strictly follow the prescribed protocols. Additionally, magistrates, police officers, and security personnel were directed to prohibit unauthorized access to the strong rooms and maintain updated records of all activities.

The meticulous preparations underscore the commitment of the administration and law enforcement authorities to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections. With tight security measures in place, voters can be assured of the integrity of the electoral process.

As the nation gears up for the Lok Sabha elections, such proactive measures ensure the smooth conduct of democratic proceedings and uphold the sanctity of the electoral system.

After reviewing the safe maintenance of EVMs in the strong room, barricading, 24X7 monitoring by CCTV, security arrangements in the strong room and the entire college campus, parking and smooth traffic arrangements etc., necessary guidelines were given to the officials present on the spot. Also, during the warehouse inspection, information was taken about the arrangements made for shifting of EVMs as per the guidelines of the Election Commission. Also, the shifting team was clearly instructed that EVMs should be shifted only by vehicles equipped with GPS. Instructions were given to seal the lock of the strong room and arrange for 24x7 monitoring through CCTV, to follow the prescribed rules while opening the strong room, etc. The deputed magistrate, police officer and police force were strictly instructed that no unauthorized person should be allowed to enter the strong room located at the dispatch and receiving center, and the log book register of the guard deployed at the strong room should be kept completely updated.