Ranchi: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) K. Ravi Kumar on Saturday held a review meeting with the District Electoral Officer of East Singhbhum to assess preparations for the upcoming 45-Ghatshila assembly bypoll. Emphasizing the need for free, fair, and peaceful elections, he directed that all guidelines issued by the Election Commission be strictly followed and all illegal activities that could affect the bypoll be completely prohibited.
Ravi Kumar highlighted that the Election Commission has provided detailed modules and instructions covering every stage of the election process, from polling to counting of votes. He instructed officials to ensure full compliance with these guidelines while completing preparations on schedule. Special emphasis was placed on maintaining transparency and participation throughout the bypoll process.
During the meeting, CEO Ravi Kumar reviewed key aspects of the bypoll, including voter lists, basic facilities at polling stations, security arrangements, readiness of EVMs and VVPATs, training programs, and adherence to the Model Code of Conduct. He issued necessary directions to ensure smooth implementation.
The CEO also noted several innovations for the bypoll, such as integrating all IT applications on the ECInet platform to streamline election management. Officials were instructed to ensure this information reaches both election staff and voters. New directives regarding political party camps mandate that these be set up at least 100 meters away from polling stations, with proper marking arrangements in place. Additionally, all polling stations will be equipped with CCTV cameras, with monitoring via webcast to ensure security and transparency.
The meeting was attended online by IG Dhananjay Kumar, nodal officer Dev Das Datta, and other election officials of East Singhbhum district responsible for overseeing the bypoll preparations.