LOK SABHA ELECTIONS : Comprehensive Voter Facilities and Security Arrangements in Place

Chandigarh, May 31: Sibin C, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Punjab, announced that his office is fully prepared to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in the state. He emphasized that they have made comprehensive arrangements to provide all necessary facilities to voters and maintain a secure and peaceful voting environment in the state.

Addressing a Press Conference ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Sibin C informed that there are a total of 2,14,61,741 voters in the state. These include 1,12,86,727 males, 1,01,74,241 females, 773 transgenders, 1,58,718 PwD (Persons with Disabilities) voters, and 1614 NRI (Non-Resident Indian) voters.

The number of first-time voters in the state is 5, 38,715, while the number of voters aged 85 and above is 1,89,855. He added that 24,451 polling stations (PS) have been established in the state, out of which 5694 PS have been declared critical.

Live Webcasting and CCTV for Transparent Polling

There are 1076 Model PS, 165 Pink Booths managed exclusively by women, 115 Green PS, 99 Youth Managed PS, and 101 PS managed by Divyangs. CCTV cameras will monitor all polling stations, and election officials and observers will conduct 100% live webcasting for real-time monitoring.  The counting of votes would take place at 117 Counting centres, at 24 Locations, he added.

Regarding Home Voting, Sibin C stated that the consent for home voting was received from 9239 85+ age voters, and 4530 PwD voters, both totalling 13,769. Out of these 12,843 voters casted their vote till 30 May, including 8640 85+ voters and 4203 PwD voters.

Sibin C revealed that the state’s elections involve a total of 260,000 personnel, including 120,114 polling staff, 70,724 security personnel (state police and central armed paramilitary forces), 50,000 supporting staff, and 25,150 individuals working in the CEO and DEO offices.

Chabeel’ Facility at Polling Stations to provide relief from Heat Wave

The CEO emphasized that they have trained polling staff to manage emergencies effectively. They will depute ASHA workers at polling stations to handle emergency medical situations. They will equip polling stations with first aid kits, oral rehydration solution (ORS), sugar candies, medicines, ointments, and bandages. Additionally, to combat the heat wave, ‘Chabeel’ facility is also being provided at the polling stations.

He added that, the 85+ and Pwd Voters, who did not opt for Home Voting can get the ‘Pick and Drop Facility’ along with wheelchairs, by registering on the Saksham application.

CEO Sibin C detailed that 24 Central and State enforcement agencies along with Flying Squads and Static Surveillance Teams are actively conducting checks to seize cash, liquor, and other items intended for voter inducement.

seizures  worth 801.47 crore have made in the state

Since the Model Code of Conduct came into effect until May 30, the state has seen seizures worth 801.47 crore, including 26.89 crore in cash, 26.75 crore in liquor, 716.78 crore in narcotics, 7.17 crore in freebies, and 23.86 crore in precious metals.

The CEO reported that they have received a total of 14,643 Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violation complaints since the enforcement of the MCC, and they have resolved most of these complaints. The average time to handle complaints in the state is 32.50 minutes, well within the mandated 100-minute timeframe.

Officials conduct daily inspections to ensure compliance with all protocols

Sibin C stated that they have equipped all strong rooms in the state with the necessary security forces, including state and paramilitary personnel, and have implemented a double lock system. Additionally, they have placed LED screens outside each strong room to display footage of the surroundings. Officials conduct daily inspections to ensure compliance with all protocols.

Deployed 55,039 personnel of the Punjab Police

Police Nodal Officer M F Farooqui elaborated that they have deployed 55,039 personnel of the Punjab Police across the state. “We will position Quick Response Teams to intervene rapidly in case of disturbances. He explained that they have divided the whole state into 2098 sectors, each led by a Sector Incharge, assisted by a Patrolling Party consisting of one Head Constable and three Constables.

Additionally, to enhance communication between security personnel, 3496 additional wireless sets of 20 Watts and 8385 wireless walkie-talkie sets have been provided to the districts. CEO Sibin C appealed to the esteemed voters of Punjab to actively participate in this biggest festival of democracy and exercise their right to vote, aiming to achieve the goal of “Is Vaar 70 Paar.”