Bhubaneswar: The Collector-cum-District Magistrate, Khordha, Chanchal Rana in his media brief highlighted the posting of 24 ECIL engineers at different assembly polling stations for a quick address of EVM-related technical problems on Tuesday.
Amidst the outcry related to EVM malfunction which was reported on the first and second phase of elections which were held on May 13 and May 20 in Odisha. The district administration of Khordha has come forward with strict measures to address the EVM-related issues in the upcoming polls on May 25.
During the Press Conference, DM said, “We have established a district control unit which has been active 24*7 since the day of the announcement of the elections; people can reach us at toll-free no. 1950 to raise election-related issues and complaints.”
The print, electronic, and social media are being monitored and will be under strict surveillance 72 hours before the polling to counter the circulation of fake information. Whereas, communication control rooms have been established in every RO and district election office to monitor complaints related to EVM malfunction, poll violence, and timely updates of voter turnout percentages.
We are also appointing 55 micro observers at vulnerable polling stations based on the feedback of observers and political parties, said DM Rana.
One volunteer each will be assigned to all 1923 polling stations, and will be taking care of elderly and PWD voters. All volunteers have been trained with two rounds of training sessions. He further added all assured minimum facilities including ramp, toilets, and electricity supply in case of absence of electricity Solar and DG backups have been also provided at various polling stations.
Keeping the heat wave in mind we have also arranged refreshment facilities along with a heat wave room for the voters along with chairs for the elderly standing in the queue.
We have arranged crèche facilities at every polling station to support working mothers who are coming to vote. Health workers with basic knowledge about first aid will be posted at every polling booth. We have also deployed a mobile health unit with the help of a group of police, said DM Rana.
A voter facilitation centre has been established in every polling station, all Sakhi booths will be provided with additional buckets and mugs. We have also ensured proper waste segregation at polling booths by providing three dustbins each. The waste accumulated will be timely cleaned and removed under the supervision of BDOs, Executive officers and especially the BMC Commissioner.
All PwD toilets have been renovated making it accessible for the voters with proper railing and western toilet facilities. Provision for transportation is also made for persons with disability for ease of voting.
