K’taka polls: Officials face challenges in securing sufficient videographers

Team Udayavani, Apr 20, 2023, 11:25 AM IST

Mangaluru: Preparations for the upcoming election are in a full swing in the city. However, Election Commission officers are struggling to find enough videographers for the election process.

The need for transparency and fairness in elections necessitates comprehensive video coverage of all steps, which poses a significant challenge.

Videographers are showing less interest due to low income and the election season coinciding with other programs that offer better financial prospects.

A recent e-tender inviting videographers and video cameras for the election process has yielded negligible response, posing a significant challenge for the Election Commission. As a solution, it has been suggested that Election Officers in each constituency should arrange for video cameras themselves. However, it remains to be seen whether this option is feasible and effective.

Video recording is necessary for the inspection of vehicles and individuals, and around 1,860 booths, surveillance teams, check posts, 243 flying squads, and 243 static surveillance teams require video cameras. The requirement for video assistance extends for the next 25 days until the completion of the election process. Some booths also offer opportunities for webcasting by installing a webcam.

Overall, it is imperative that the Election Commission ensures adequate video coverage of the election process and provides adequate compensation to videographers and taxi drivers to enable them to perform their duties effectively.