Mohammad Sarfaraz
Early Times Report
KUPWARA, Dec 21: District Panchayat Election Officer (DPEO) Kupwara, Anshul Garg, today finalized arrangements for counting of District Development Council (DDC) election votes being held on December 22.
The DPEO discussed threadbare various arrangements including preparation of Counting halls, security arrangements, appointment of Magistrates, training of staff, adherence of Covid-19 SOPs and availability of Covid material, Traffic management besides, proper heating/lighting and availability of drinking water facilities.
He urged the concerned officers for an impartial and transparent counting process while taking in confidence all party agents and added that the counting shall start from 9 am at 04 Counting Centres viz. ITI Kupwara, JNV Potushai, ITI Handwara and Mini Secretariat Tangdar.
Garg said that Nodal Officers have already been appointed for providing logistic support to respective ROs to ensure smooth counting. He said that transport and refreshment facilities shall be provided to the officials involved in the counting process.
The DPEO directed for counting of postal ballots and migrant votes and also instructed the concerned ROs that opening of Strong Rooms shall be video-graphed.
Earlier, Master Trainer, G. M. Dar apprised the concerned officers about the procedure and necessary technical knowhow for smooth conduct of the counting.
ADC Handwara, Nazir Ahmad Mir, Deputy District Panchayat Election Officer, Bashir Ahmad Bhat, Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, Counting Supervisors, Master Trainers and other concerned were present in the meeting.
Meanwhile District Election Officer (DEO) Baramulla, Dr G N Itoo today took spot inspection of counting centers in the district to finalise arrangements put in place for smooth and transparent conduct of counting process scheduled on 22 December, 2020.
On the occasion, the DEO visited Govt Degree College for Boys Baramulla, SKUAST College Wadoora Sopore and ITI Pattan where the counting centers have been established to take the final appraisal of various arrangements put in place for conduct of DDC and ULB election counting.
Meanwhile, DEO convened a meeting of various concerned officers wherein he emphasized to ensure that the counting of votes is conducted smoothly.
He directed the concerned to ensure adequate heating, lighting and other necessary arrangements so that the staff associated with the process may not face any inconvenience. Moreover, DEO stressed to strictly follow all the requisite COVID-19 SOPs and guidelines to avert any kind of eventuality.
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