By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 3 Apr: District Magistrate and Returning Officer MS Murugeshan today inspected preparations underway at the Maharana Pratap Sports College, Raipur, for peaceful and smooth conduct of the Lok Sabha elections, here.
He advised the Zonl and Sector Magistrates present to ensure polling took place according to the guidelines of the Election Commission. He told them that every one of them would be given extra Ballot Units, Control Units and VVPAT machines so that malfunctioning ones could be immediately repaired. Sector Magistrates would stay in touch Zonal Magistrates to update them on voter turnout and other information every two hours. This would be forwarded to the Election Control Room. He asked them to work in a coordinated fashion.
Special security arrangements had been made at vulnerable and critical election centres. He asked the magistrates to visit the centres under their charge before polling day to ensure all the facilities were available, including wheelchairs, toilets, power supply, drinking water, etc. Members of the Yuvak Mangal Dals, NCC, Scouts and Guides would be deployed to help with physically challenged voters. He also interacted with engineers of the ECI on smooth functioning of the EVMs.
A large number of officials were present on the occasion.
Also, those on election duty were provided ballot papers to vote for candidates in their respective constituencies. These were put into drop boxes set up for the purpose. Training on using and sealing EVMs was also provided on the occasion.
