Punjab Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C. on Monday virtually reviewed the poll preparedness and arrangements being finalized by the Civil & Police administration to ensure free, fair and peaceful Lok Sabha byelection. The voting will be started at 8 am and continue till 6 pm on May 10 while the counting will take place on May 13.
Deputy Commissioner Jaspreet Singh apprised the CEO that necessary arrangements were being finalized at all 1972 polling booths as the 98 percent vote slips had already been distributed to voters. All these polling booths have the facility of web casting so as to keep a close eye on the election activities besides setting up a dedicated control, he added.
It was also informed that nodal officers had also been deputed at district and assembly constituency level. The transportation of EVMs will also be carried out in foolproof security arrangements since 703 GPS enabled vehicles are engaged for this purpose, said Deputy Commissioner adding that public conveniences especially for Divyang and aged voters would also be ensured including the facility of wheel chairs and ‘Chon Mittar’ (Election Friend).
Commissioner of Police Kuldeep Singh Chahal and SSP (Rural) Mukhwinder Singh Bhullar informed the Election Commission that nearly 98 percent licensed arms had already been got deposited in the Lok Sabha Constituency and law & order situation would also be maintained at all cost. Senior officers of Civil and Police administration were also present in the virtual meeting.
Holidays announced on May 9 and 10 : Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer Jaspreet Singh announced holiday in all Government and non-government schools and colleges will remain closed on Tuesday in view of final preparations for bypoll. Meanwhile, a holiday in Government Offices, Boards/Corporations and Government educational institutions has also been announced as local holiday under the Negotiable Instrument Act. The order stipulated that if any Government officer/employee, who is the voter of Lok Sabha Constituency & working in any office of Punjab Government and wants to cast his vote, he/she can get a leave from competent authority by furnishing voter card. He/she will get a special leave, which is not counted from their leave account. Similarly, in respect of all voters employee to any business, trade, industrial undertaking or any other establishment will be entitled for a paid holiday on May 10 i.e. Wednesday.