ECI holds review meeting with CEO Punjab and DCs in view of forthcoming Lok Sabha polls

Punjab News: Election Commission of India (ECI) team led by Deputy Election Commissioner (DEC) Hirdesh Kumar held a review meeting here today with Chief Electoral Officer Punjab Sibin C and all 23 Deputy Commissioners-cum-District Election Officers (DEOs) on Special Summary Revision of electoral roll and poll preparedness for the ensuing Lok Sabha polls in the state.

       The review meeting, the first of this kind in view of forthcoming Lok Sabha elections for the 13 parliamentary constituencies in the state, had a special focus on the revision of the voters’ list, the inclusion of names of new voters, the deletion of the names of deceased voters, and purification of the electoral roll.

       Reviewing the electoral roll management at district level, DEC Hirdesh Kumar assessed the existing gaps in the electoral roll in terms of elector-population (EP) ratio, the gap in terms of gender ratio and the gap in different Age Cohorts, particularly the youth. DEOs were asked to make concerted efforts in ensuring 100% error-free electoral roll and make entire electoral process hassle-free. They were also asked to ensure inclusivity and especially focus on marginalized segments, persons with disabilities (PwDs) and transgender.

       Hirdesh Kumar instructed the DEOs to focus on voter registration of youth especially in the age group of 18-19 years old. The meeting also reviewed the manpower management in context of Lok Sabha elections 2024. For ensuring 100% purification of electoral roll, Hirdesh Kumar directed DCs to ensure verification before deletion of votes.

        He also reviewed the availability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at district headquarters. He also underlined the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and prescribed guidelines in terms of movement and storage of EVMs. The key points such as separate arrangement of storage for state commissions and involvement of political parties in the First level Checking (FLC) were stressed upon.

        Availability of Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) like ramp, drinking water and toilet at every polling booth were also reviewed in the meeting.