Bhubaneswar: The State Election Commission (SEC), Odisha, has directed the DGP to issue directions for checking large congregation on the last day of the filing of nomination papers for the upcoming panchayat polls i.e. tomorrow (January 21).
SEC Secretary R. N. Sahu, in a letter to the DGP on Thursday stated that the Commission has directed to issue necessary instructions to all S.Ps, including Covid Observers, to ensure that large gatherings do not take place for filing nominations and holding meetings in public places.
As per the letter, the Commission has laid down Covid-19 Guidelines for strict enforcement at different stages of the election process. There was a threadbare discussion in the conference of Collectors and Superintendents of Police on 15.01.2022 where it was decided to strictly enforce the Guidelines.
As per the instructions of the Commission, DSP rank Officers have been appointed as Covid Observers in different Districts.
Now the Nomination Process is going on from 17th to 21st January 2022. It is being seen that people are gathering in large numbers for filing of nominations and are holding public meetings which contravene the Guidelines.
The Commission has issued the above direction, as a large number of candidates are expected to file nominations on the last day tomorrow, i.e. 21st January 2022.
