Himachal Pradesh: Chief Electoral Officer directs to speed up form disposal process

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 3 : Updates on disposal for inclusion of names in electoral rolls and shifting of residence, Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) distribution, arms deposition, and Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) are to be monitored, and the reports will be sent to the State Election Department daily, directed Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Maneesh Garg, while interacting with all the District Election Officers (DEOs), Superintendents of Police, and other officials on Friday.
The CEO while inquiring about the pendency in disposal of the forms in few districts stated that at present the claims and objections for additions, corrections on account of shifting of address are being processed as per the directions of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and directed the DEOs to complete the process much before 14th May, the last date for disposal of forms, added the statement.
Garg said that nearly 85 per cent of the forms 6 received till now have been disposed of and most of the pending forms have been received during last 7 days on account of extensive awareness efforts and outreach activities being done by the election machinery, which will also be disposed of in time and included in electoral roll.
CEO also directed that permanent AMF facilities should be ensured at all booths, which include proper signage, drinking water facilities, proper lighting, ramps, washrooms, adequate furniture, etc.
While detailing the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for voting through Postal ballots, it stated that as per the new norms of ECI, a voter on election duty shall be provided a postal ballot to cast his/her vote at the facilitation centre only set up by the AROs concerned and not in any other manner, mentioned the statement further.
The detailed SOPs describe in detail the steps involved from applying for postal ballots/Election Duty Certificates (EDC) to issuance of same by the AROs, casting of votes at the voter facilitation centres and finally ensuring that the casted ballots reach the counting centres in time. This facility will apply to the police personal, drivers and conductors, polling personnel and other staff deputed on election duty.
He said that all polling parties shall vote at the respective 'Voter Facilitation Centre' set up at the 'training venues' on May 23-25 and May 30-31, whereas the other voters on election duty other than the polling parties viz: the police personnel, videographers, drivers, conductors, cleaners and other staff engaged in election duty shall vote at the facilitation centre set up at the RO/AROs office three days before polling date i.e. from 29-31st May, stated the CEO, read the statement further.
Garg also directed to ensure an adequate number of voting compartments and other arrangements at each facilitation centre to enable the voters on the election duty to mark their postal ballot.
He also reviewed the arms deposition status and issued necessary directions to all SPs to complete 100 per cent arms deposition by 7th May, excluding exempted arms. Till date, 81.7 per cent of arms have been deposited throughout the State.
The CEO also addressed different queries as raised by the DEOs and AROs pertaining to smooth conduct of elections.
On the occasion, Additional Chief Electoral Officers, Dalip Negi and Neelam Dulta, amongst other officers and officials of the election department, remained present.