BUDGAM: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Sanjeev Verma, today visited Budgam district to oversee preparations for the Upcoming bye-Assembly Elections 2025 to 27-AC Budgam.
The CEO chaired a meeting with all stakeholders and reviewed polling station wise arrangements and preparations for the smooth conduct of Bye-election in 27-AC Budgam in the district.
District Election Officer (DEO) Budgam, Dr.Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat presented the overall scenario of bye-election preparations in the district via presentation.
Joint Chief Electoral Officer, Anil Salgotra; ADC Budgam, ASP Budgam, ACR/RO to 27-AC Budgam, Deputy DEO Budgam, CPO Budgam, CEO Budgam, CMO, all other district nodal officers related to bye- Election to 27-AC Budgam were present in the meeting.
During the detailed review meeting, DEO apprised the CEO about the district’s comprehensive preparedness for the upcoming bye-elections.
Addressing the officers, the CEO stressed on the importance of strict adherence to guidelines, timelines for the Model Code of Conduct and media monitoring. He urged all stakeholders to maximize voter turnout through door-to-door campaigns under the SVEEP initiative.
The CEO also directed the district administration to formulate booth-level committees and emphasized on expenditure monitoring. He also laid emphasis on popularization of all election related apps of ECI among the general public.
The CEO further directed the district administration that activities under SVEEP be taken up including plantation, sanitation and distribution of voter slips among the electors for massive involvement of public in the festival of democracy.
The CEO, during the meeting, also took assessment of AMF, transport , material distribution, deployment, training of staff, webcasting, home voting facility and other related preparations in the district.
While presenting overall view of preparedness, the DEO informed that, as per the finalized arrangements, a total of 173 polling stations have been established across 111 polling locations in the 27–Budgam Assembly Constituency. He added that these arrangements have been made after meticulous assessment of ground requirements, ensuring that every polling location is fully equipped with all Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs) like electricity, drinking water, toilets, ramps, and proper signage for voter convenience.
The DEO further apprised that all key election preparedness parameters were thoroughly examined and cross-verified with concerned departments. He alsoo informed about other aspects of election process like readiness of polling staff, EVM and VVPAT functionality, material storage and dispatch logistics, accessibility features for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), and functioning of the Control Room and Help Desk established at the DC Office Complex Budgam.
The DEO apprised the CEO that all arrangements have been made in strict conformity with the guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and reiterated that District Administration Budgam is fully geared to ensure a smooth, transparent, and inclusive electoral process. He also informed that adequate deployment of security and polling personnel has been planned, and continuous coordination with law enforcement agencies is being maintained to ensure peaceful conduct of elections.
The DEO assured the CEO that every polling station will reflect the ECI’s commitment to voter facilitation, accessibility, and transparency, thereby reaffirming the district’s readiness to conduct free, fair, and participative bye-elections in Budgam
During the meeting, concerned RO and Nodal Officers also briefed the VEO about election related arrangements.