Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB/SP)
Udupi, Apr 17: Deputy Commissioner of the district, Hephsibha Rani Korlapati, said that all necessary arrangements for the conduct of smooth, peaceful and transparent election in the district and Chikkamagaluru constituency have been made.
"The concerned have appointed required number of micro observers and security staff for holding a free and fair election. About 996 presiding officers, 996 assistant presiding officers, 1972 polling officers, 952 ‘D’ division employees, 1367 Security officers/staff, as well as 206 Micro observers will be helping to achieve our objective of conducting election smoothly without any problems," she narrated.
Addressing the media here on Tuesday April 16, Hephsibha said, "the district election commission distributed voter slips to about 99% of the voters and the booth level officers will guide the people who need it at the help desk.
"We have received 1,513 calls and 97 cases through NGRS portal and 90 cases have been disposed off," she added..
The commission has been made vehicle arrangements to the polling station officials, GPS installed vehicles have been arranged to transporting EVM and VVPAT units, she added.
There are 55 buses, 21 mini buses, 47 tempo travelers/maxi cabs, 13 jeeps and 8 lorris (containers), it was informed.
"We have made arrangements for sufficient EVM and VVPAT machines. First and second randomization was held in the presence of political parties and candidates, she stated..
"There are 1379 ballot boxes, 1280 control units and 1477 VVPAT units. We have provided election duty certification to all officials. The total provided postal voters slip is 584 and 3,619 EDC were provided. The postal service letters were sent to 575 service voters through ETPBS," she said.
"There are 7,38,503 male, 7,74.674 female and 54 other voters in Udupi-Chikkamagaluru Lok Sabha constituency with 1,837 polling stations. Under action undertaken for violation of model code of conduct, Rs 25,30, 910 cash was seized, out of which Rs 23,50, 290 was returned after examining the details and 15,853.79 liters of alcohol worth Rs 74,38,722 were impounded," she stated.
Superintendent of police of the district, Nisha James, said, ‘we have identified 148 intimidators and action has been taken against all of them."
The total number of rowdy sheeters is 1,738, number of booked cases on rowdy sheeters is 1,419 and 1,324 rowdy sheeters have executed bonds, while the number of bonds pending signatures is 95. We have not been able to book security cases in 320 persons, she added.
The total number of licensed weapons in the district is 3,733, out of which 3,696 have been deposited with us. Exemption has been granted in 29 cases, and one has been impounded, licences were cancelled in six cases while one case is pending. The department has given exemption to 22 licence holders with security purpose and seven individuals, she narrated.
Nisha also said, "we have kept some matters confidential for security purposes. We will ensure peaceful and smooth polling in Udupi – Chikkamagaluru constituency. We are ready to extend helping hand in order to hold election in a proper way. All flying squads and security squads, paramilitary forces, police personnel etc will keep a close watch on each and every activity in polling booths’.
Additional deputy commissioner, Vidya Kumari, was present.