EC holds meeting with Punjab officials ahead of EVM-VVPAT checking

Chandigarh, September 16

In view of the ensuing Assembly elections in Punjab, the Election Commission of India (ECI) today held a meeting through video conference with Deputy Commissioners-cum-District Election Officers (DEO) of all 23 districts to apprise them in detail about the protocol and instructions related to the first-level checking (FLC) of EVM-VVPAT.

DEOs were given the firsthand account of the entire FLC process, highlighting their roles and responsibilities. It was underlined that the DEOs shall be responsible for the overall process and shall ensure strict compliance of instructions and appoint additional or deputy DEOs, who are fully trained with FLC process, as FLC supervisor.

Depending on the number of EVMs and VVPATs, CEOs will prepare a schedule for FLC of EVMs and ensure close involvement of political parties. Representation of all national and state-level recognised political parties in the FLC process is made mandatory to ensure complete transparency.

Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab, Dr S Karuna Raju, Additional Chief Electoral Officer and State EVM Nodal Officer Madhvi Kataraia were also present in the meeting.

All critical aspects of FLC were discussed such as infrastructural facilities and arrangement of web-casting, CCTVs and videography. It was also highlighted that the feed of webcasting is to be closely monitored at the control room at the DEO and CEO-level and the report is required to be submitted to the ECI. The first-level checking shall be carried out in a large and well-lit hall with single entry and exit point.

The ECI sends an inspection team comprising of its officers and CEO, along with engineers of the manufacturers, three to five days before the start of FLC. DEOs are required to assess the preparedness first hand and make surprise checks on a regular basis. — TNS