A team of Election Commission of India (ECI) led by Deputy Election Commissioners Hirdesh Kumar and Ajay Bhadoo held an inter-state meeting on Tuesday with top bureaucrats, police officers, nodal officers from different departments and senior officials from enforcement agencies including Income Tax, ED, Customs and other officials from Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh to review election arrangements and law and order coordination in view of the Lok Sabha elections 2024.
The aim of the meeting was to ensure comprehensive preparation and coordination for the electoral process. Deliberations were held on various crucial aspects essential for smooth, fair, and transparent elections. Key topics included electoral roll revision, Vulnerability Mapping and Critical Polling stations, law and order, Arms depositions, security measures, voter awareness campaigns,webcasting,Electoral marked copy, EVM & VVPAT availability, Postal Ballot Instructions ,Seizure Integrated Control Room,Availability of AMF in all PS Specially Shade, Chair and water , PwD managed, Youth, And Women managed Polling Stations, Availability of Manpower, Sveep activities where low voter turnout and resource deployment to facilitate seamless voting procedures.
Recognizing the significance of these elections in upholding democratic principles, the DECs emphasized diligent preparation and adherence to electoral guidelines. Effective coordination among all stakeholders was underscored to ensure free, fair, and credible elections, maintaining the integrity of the democratic process.
In addition, a separate meeting was held by the ECI team with various nodal agencies to review preparedness and steps taken by enforcement agencies. Nodal agencies were urged to provide training and knowledge sharing at the district level, following the instructions and SOPs prepared by the ECI for seizure. All the CEOs, IGs, CPs,DC, SSP and nodal officials of enforcement agencies have been directed to comply with instructions of the commission scrupulously and put sustained efforts to ensure conduct of election in a free and fair manner.
Punjab Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sibin C said that during the meeting, the ECI team directed state teams to enhance vigilance on the state borders and state authorities assured to further strengthen interstate coordination for conducting a smooth electoral process. The team specifically stressed the need for vigilance over the interstate check posts across neighboring states to ensure no cross-border movement of illicit cash, liquor, drugs or freebies takes place.
The CEO further said the ECI team has been informed that state officials have been asked to step up seizures with support from adjoining border states and instill fear of administration among violators to conduct a free and fair election in the state. The team specifically urged Police and CRPF teams to keep strict vigilance and help curtail the drug menace. "We have enhanced vigil across the state to conduct a free and fair elections", Punjab CEO Sibin C assured the ECI team.
During the meeting, all officers were briefed on the latest instructions of the commission and reviewed the necessary measures taken post the election announcement, particularly regarding the seizure of liquor and drugs.
