Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (VP)
Mangaluru, Mar 18: Deputy Commissioner of Revenue, Mangaluru City South Assembly Constitution Regional Officer, Girish Nandan M, highlighted the changes and provided crucial information regarding security, political banners, and programs during the General Lok Sabha elections.
Addressing the media on Monday, March 18, Girish said, “Lok Sabha elections of 2024 dates have been announced, and the elections preparation will start from March 28. The last date for filing elections nomination papers will be on April 4, and the date of nomination Scrutiny will be on April 5. The last date for withdrawal of nomination papers will be on April 8, and the date of elections will be April 26. Counting for votes will be held on June 4.”
He further added, 'In the first 24 hours, all political banners will be removed from government, public, and private places. For religious purposes, they can have their banners near temples, but permission is a must. The Deputy Commissioner, Mullai Muhilan, will be in-charge of elections, and in Mangaluru city south, the total number of voters is 2,49,945, with nearly 6,908 senior citizens. Regarding security, we have arranged a video surveillance team, flying squad, video viewing team, NCC nodal officer, accounting team, and media contact team. We have also established checkposts at Nanthoor and Kottara and created a control room. By dialling 19508 or 0824-2220330, you can contact the committee, and this number will be operational 24 hours a day. Permission should be taken if any political programs are being held. We have also installed a single unit team and a new app called cVIGIL where complaints can be given anonymously. A team of the flying squad will take actions within 30 minutes, and within 50 minutes, we will resolve the issue. Before, people who were above the age of 85 could vote from home, but this time it's not sure yet, we will ask and take consent. Two police stations have also been created.”
When the media asked questions regarding Mangaluru South having lower voters, he said, “Mangaluru South has lower voters, and regarding this, nodal officer Anand and nodal officer Shankar will arrange awareness programmes where the numbers are less.”
Over the NRIs and other Indians who have gone abroad and have local voter ID, the officer said, “This work should have happened before 6 months, and this work should be completed before the election year, and we suspect that awareness is the main issue, and we will work on it.'
When questioned about the police practice of stopping individuals and inquiring about their destination, citing potential human rights violations, and regarding concerns about individuals carrying cash, particularly those traveling from Kerala for medical purposes, the officer responded, “When suspicion arises, we request details from individuals. We have mandated that only up to Rs 50,000 cash can be carried, as per regulations. However, if individuals have valid personal reasons and provide proper documentation, we will address the situation accordingly. In cases of health emergencies, immediate assistance will be provided.”
On MCC nodal officer Moorthy, ACP Prathap Singh, and Devendra Pal were present.