CEC Rajiv Kumar directs around 2100 observers to ensure level playing field, randomise forces, personnel and machines for deployment; ensure inducement, coercion and intimidation free elections

– ECI conducts day long session to brief the General, Police and Expenditure Observers for the forthcoming General Elections to Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies

Chandigarh, March 11:

          In the run up to the forthcoming General Elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, the Election Commission of India today organised a briefing for Observers to be deployed in the States/UTs.

          Over 2150 senior officers drawn from IAS, IPS officers as well as officers from Indian Revenue Service and few other Central Services attended the briefing meeting which was organised in a hybrid mode at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Few officials joined virtually from the office of Chief Electoral Officers in their respective States/UTs. Around 900 General Observers, 450 Police Observers and 800 Expenditure Observers are being deployed in the forthcoming elections.

          Reminding the Observers of their crucial role, Chief Election Commissioner Sh. Rajiv Kumar directed them to ensure a level-playing field for free, fair, intimidation and inducement-free elections. CEC emphasised that the Observers as representatives of the Commission are expected to conduct themselves professionally and be accessible to all stakeholders including candidates. Observers were instructed to be tough but polite in their conduct on the field. He asked the to visit the polling stations and familiarise themselves with the geography and take stock of any vulnerabilities and sensitive areas.

          Shri Kumar also mentioned that the Commission has re-drafted all circulars and updated the manuals, handbooks which are available on ECI website in a searchable and easy to read format. He added that handbooks and manuals have been prepared on the basis of roles and functions of different officials along with a checklist of Do’s and Don’ts.

          During the briefing Meeting, all the Observers were briefed about the crucial insights so as to sensitise them regarding the Commission’s various new initiatives and directions.