The State election authority, the Chief Electoral Officer's office, is leaving no scope for complaints in the conduct of elections to the Legislative Assembly, slated for December 7. In an interview, Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar explained about the various preparatory works that had been initiated for the successful conduct of the polls. Excerpts:
What could be the likely number of voters after November 9, the last date for enrolment?
The total number of electors in the final roll published was 2.73 crore including 1.37 crore male and 1.35 crore female voters. Around 5.5 lakh applications for enrolment in different forms were received since then of which 1.95 lakh have been accepted and another 3.48 lakh under different stages of processing. Final electoral strength will be arrived at by November 19 after disposing of all the applications.
What security related arrangements are being including deployment of State police and Central forces?
Approximately, 38,970 police personnel in various cadres and 16 companies of TS Special Police are being utilised for the polls. Services of another 10,000 personnel has been requisitioned from other States. This is in addition to the 275 companies of Central armed forces of which 25 companies had already been deployed in different districts.
Has identification of sensitive, hyper sensitive polling stations been completed?
Of the total, 32,574 polling stations, 22,294 have been categorised as normal and 10,280 have been placed under the critical category. These critical category polling stations include those located in the seven districts where there is presence of left wing extremist activities, according to the Union Home Ministry.
Are the concerns expressed by the opposition parties over “pink polling booths” being addressed?
The Election Commission has directed that the model polling stations should not be in pink colour.
What is the status of cases of electoral malpractices which are pending since the past elections in 2014 and steps that have been taken to expedite these cases?
Only 49 cases related to 2014 elections are pending in the courts. The administration in the districts has been asked to pursue the cases for early disposal.
There are complaints from some areas that officials are allegedly going slow on the ruling party and targeting opposition leaders...
Each and every complaint received by the election machinery is being attended to. Timely action is being taken and reports are being submitted to the Election Commission wherever required.
What are the steps being taken to sensitise officials to ensure larger participation of electors?
Necessary arrangements for facilitation and convenience of voters at the polling stations are being made to ensure a smooth and comfortable voting experience. Participative, inclusive and people-friendly SVEEP (systematic voter education and electoral participation) campaign is being organised using all modes of communication for ensuring ethical and informed voting. In addition, an extensive VVPAT sensitisation exercise is being carried out covering every village.
What arrangements are being made for persons with disabilities?
In order to achieve the goal of accessible elections to lay special emphasis on flagging of persons with disabilities, data has been collected and mapped indicating presence of 10.46 lakh voters as persons with disabilities. Provision of sturdy ramps, wheelchairs, Braille signage boards, to and fro transport and other steps are being taken for their convenience. Meetings are being held with various line departments like education, disabled welfare and medical and health in this direction for a coordinated approach.
Are there any technological tools deployed for ease of poll related works?
IT based applications have been deployed for improved facilitation of various stakeholders like electors, election managers, political parties and candidates to ensure effective and efficient monitoring.
