All necessary arrangements undertaken for open, free and fair election: DC

Team Udayavani, Apr 17, 2019, 11:44 AM IST

Udupi: All necessary arrangements have been undertaken by the district administration in the district and Chikkamagaluru constituency for the conduction of free, transparent and peaceful Lok Sabha election, said Hephsibha Rani Korlapati, Deputy Commissioner of Udupi.

“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 informed here speaking to the media on Tuesday April 16.

“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,” she said and added, “We have received 1,513 calls and 97 cases through NGRS portal and 90 cases have been disposed off.”

Vehicle arrangement

Vehicle arrangements have been made to take the officials to the polling station. Vehicles have been equipped with GPS for transporting EVM and VVPAT units including the 55 buses, 21 mini buses, 47 tempo travelers/maxi cabs, 13 jeeps and 8 lorris (containers).

“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 informed.

“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. 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,” she said.

Violation of model code of conduct

“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 informed.

Rowdy Sheeters

“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 said.

Licensed weapons

“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 added.

Speaking on the occasion SP Nisha 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.”