Bhopal: Chief Electoral Officer of the state Shri Anupam Rajan issued instructions to strengthen the system of redressal of complaints for free, fair and transparent elections and to take strict action against election related crimes. He said that to ensure quality redressal of election related complaints, the District Election Officers will have to monitor them from time to time. The Chief Electoral Officer gave instructions to make necessary arrangements at the polling stations and to ensure the availability of medical kits and medicines with the sector officers in view of the summer.
Rajan was reviewing the preparations for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in the districts of Jabalpur division in a meeting held at Hotel Kalchuri on Tuesday. Election Commission Nodal Officer Police Shri Anshuman Singh, Joint Chief Electoral Officer Madhya Pradesh Shri Vivek Shrotriya, Commissioner Jabalpur Division Shri Abhay Verma, Inspector General of Police Shri Anil Kushwaha and Collectors and Superintendents of Police of all the districts of the division were present in the meeting. After reviewing the districts of Jabalpur division, Chief Electoral Officer Shri Rajan reviewed the ongoing preparations for the Lok Sabha elections in the districts of Rewa and Shahdol divisions in the second session at noon.
Take preventive action
In the meeting, Chief Electoral Officer Shri Rajan gave instructions to take strict action in cases of violation of election rules including Model Code of Conduct. He directed to take preventive action against any such elements who may try to create unrest during the electoral process. The Chief Electoral Officer also took district-wise details of the action taken so far against criminal elements in the meeting in view of the Lok Sabha elections. He instructed to make tight security arrangements in sensitive and vulnerable areas and to take immediate and strict action on complaints or information of intimidating, threatening or luring voters.
CEO issued instructions to be stricter at check posts and to conduct intensive searches of vehicles in such districts including Jabalpur where elections are to be held after a few days. He also gave instructions to strictly follow the SOP 48 hours before voting.
Rajan said that for smooth voting, the Collector and Superintendent of Police should personally inspect such locations where there are more than five polling stations. Emphasizing the need to take strict security measures at vulnerable and critical polling stations, he said that the Election Commission has now given permission to install cameras equivalent to 75 percent of the total number of polling stations.
