ECI Team Reviews Poll Preparedness in Haryana Ahead of Assembly Elections
Focus on Law and Order, Voter Turnout, and Electoral Roll Accuracy
With Haryana’s Assembly elections scheduled for October 5, a delegation from the Election Commission of India (ECI) reviewed the state’s poll preparedness in a high-level meeting held in Chandigarh on Monday. The delegation, which included Deputy Election Commissioner Hridesh Kumar, Secretary KP Singh, and Principal Secretary Avinash Kumar, met with key officials from various districts to ensure smooth election conduct.
Key Focus Areas for the Polls
According to the official statement, the meeting was attended by top administrative and police officials, including Divisional Commissioners, IGs, Police Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners-cum-DEOs, SPs, General Observers, and Expenditure Observers from 11 districts. Haryana’s Chief Electoral Officer, Pankaj Agarwal, and State Police Nodal Officer, Saurabh Singh, were also present.
The ECI delegation emphasized the importance of maintaining a secure and peaceful environment during the elections. They directed officials to ensure free and fair elections by addressing electoral roll discrepancies, removing dead and shifted voters, and guaranteeing adequate facilities at polling stations. Special emphasis was placed on encouraging voter turnout by providing a conducive voting environment, especially for elderly and disabled voters.
Monitoring and Security Measures
Deputy Election Commissioner Hridesh Kumar stressed the need for proper planning and execution of essential tasks, including the distribution of Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC), the marking of electoral rolls, and the preparation of absentee, shifted, duplicate, or dead (ASD) voter lists. He also called for a final distribution of pending EPIC cards by September 30.
The team directed District Commissioners and SPs to personally inspect polling stations to verify that they are equipped with necessary facilities. Kumar also stressed the importance of webcasting at polling stations for better surveillance while ensuring voter privacy is maintained. High-resolution cameras will be used to monitor polling stations without compromising the secrecy of voting.
Special Polling Booths and Voter Facilitation
To enhance voter experience, DEOs briefed the ECI on the introduction of special model polling booths, including “pink booths” staffed entirely by women, youth-managed booths, and booths manned by persons with disabilities (PWD). Voter facilitation booths, managed by BLOs, will also be set up at each polling station with appropriate seating arrangements for voters waiting in queues.
Increased Surveillance and Border Monitoring
The commission raised concerns over the current level of seizures and directed special attention to areas like Faridabad, Sonipat, and Gurugram. Officials were instructed to increase the efficiency of flying squads and surveillance teams, particularly in border areas. Kumar emphasized the need for mirror checkpoints along the state borders to prevent illegal activities and ensure strict monitoring. He cautioned that while tightening security, public convenience should not be compromised.
Home Voting for PwD and Senior Voters
Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal announced provisions for home voting for persons with disabilities (PwD) and voters over the age of 85. This process will be supervised by Returning Officers, with videography to ensure transparency. He also highlighted the need for training election officials and ensuring transport facilities for senior voters and PwD wherever required.
The delegation wrapped up the meeting by emphasizing the importance of fair and transparent elections and urged local and state officials to maximize efforts to increase voter turnout.
