KUPWARA: District Election Officer (DEO), Kupwara, Anshul Garg today convened separate meetings with Returning Officers (ROs) and Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) for panchayat by – election for vacant seats of Panchs and Sarpanchs and District Development Council constituencies, here.
The DEO gave necessary instruction to the ROs and AROs with regard to their duties and responsibilities during the election process and stressed upon them to work in coordination to get best results at ground level.
He asked ROs to remain more vigilant and prompt to their duties and remain in touch with the District Election Office for timely coordination.
The DEO asked Panchayat by- election AROs to remain present at their polling stations on the Election Day as these shall also work as counting centers, adding that the AROs shall count the votes and ROs shall declare the results on the same day.
He said the ballot boxes for DDC constituencies shall be sealed by ROs and shall subsequently be sent to the strong room.
The DEO directed District Health Officer to provide face shields, masks and sanitizers within 2 days to the ROs and AROs and stressed upon the concerned of both Panchayat by-election and DDC election to strictly implement the COVID-19 SOPs during the election and counting process.
He also directed all concerned to go through the election hand book for attaining more knowledge about the election process.
The DEO discussed other issues including notification, process of polling, sealing of ballot boxes, reservation for women etc.
Among others, SDM Karnah, SDM Lolab, District Panchayat Officer and other concerned officers were present in the meetings.