Ensure free and fair polls while following Covid protocol

Central Chronicle News
Bhilai, Dec 15: In view of the election of urban bodies, Election Commissioner Thakur Ram Singh chaired a meeting to review the preparations in the Bhilai Municipal Corporation. Instructing the election officers, Singh asked them to ensure free and fair polls.
They must take all possible measures for the purpose. According to the instructions of the commission, arrangements for CCTV cameras etc should be ensured at the counting venue.
Observer of Bhilai – P Dayanand, Observer of Risali – Rajesh Sukumar Toppo, Observer of Bhilai Charoda – Avneesh Sharan and Observer of Jamul – Narendra Kumar Dugga, Collector Dr Sarveshwar Narendra Bhure, SSP Badrinarayan Meena, Deputy District Election Officer Khemlal Verma, RO Risali – Nupur Rashi Panna, RO Bhilai – Padmini Bhoi, RO Bhilai Charoda – Vipul Gupta, RO Jamul – Jageshwar Kaushal and other officers were present.
Commissioner said that it is very important to follow the Covid protocol. Vaccination of all polling agents is compulsory. Apart from this, the vaccination of other people engaged in the work of voting is also necessary. He said that the right to vote is for every citizen. If any covid patient also wants to cast his vote, he will be allowed to vote.
But there should not be inconvenience to other voters. For this purpose, the administration will coordinate with such voters and fix the time of voting for the Covid patients. Covid patients will have to wear PPE Kit while visiting the polling booth.
Collector Dr Sarveshwar Narendra Bhure said that special care has been taken of the Covid protocol. Sanitizer will also be given in the kits to the polling parties. Apart from this, the facility of sanitization will also be made available in the polling centres.
The Commissioner said that the Returning Officer should decide the applications of permission for the procession – rally etc filed by the candidates within the time period. Issue notices to candidates who take out procession, rally etc without permission. He said that action should also be taken against the candidates who are not giving regular information about the expenditure.
Commissioner further said that industrial workers should also get leave from work to vote. The commission has given instructions in this regard. He asked the officials to hold discussions with the employers so that everyone can exercise their franchise. He said that being an industrial area, special care needs to be taken to ensure that industrial workers get leave to vote.
Commissioner said that along with necessary security arrangements for voting and counting, the administration must ensure the deployment of health staff. They must speak about the Covid Protocol during the training of polling parties and in the meeting of political parties.