Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 14 April 2024
In preparation for the upcoming General Elections to Lok Sabha-2024, the randomisation of Micro Observers (MOs) for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Parliamentary Constituency (ANIPC) was finalised on 13th April 2024. A total of 61 Micro Observers are slated for deployment in Critical and Isolated Polling Stations across the A&N Islands, set to carry out their duties on Polling Day, April 19, 2024. The Micro Observers will operate under the supervision of a General Observer, tasked with vigilantly overseeing the electoral process and promptly reporting any irregularities observed at their designated Polling Stations.
Addressing the assembly of Micro Observers, the General Observer for ANIPC, Mr. B.N Singh, IAS, delineated the pivotal roles and responsibilities entrusted to the MOs. Emphasizing their critical role, Singh urged the Micro Observers to execute their duties with meticulous care to ensure the seamless conduct of elections in the ANIPC. He underscored the importance of timely updates on the status of assigned Polling Stations and stressed the necessity for close observation of electoral roll procedures, including attendance during Mock Polls to verify adherence to prescribed protocols. Furthermore, Singh advised the MOs to maintain unwavering professionalism throughout their tenure and encouraged teamwork to uphold the principles of free, fair, and transparent elections. The Observer reassured the Micro Observers of comprehensive support and guidance throughout their assignment.
In a similar vein, the Returning Officer for ANIPC, Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS, also addressed the gathering of Micro Observers, urging them to meticulously monitor the polling process and ensure its integrity from the commencement of Mock Polls to the culmination of the electoral proceedings. Sharma stressed the importance of promptly communicating any encountered issues to the General Observer or himself. Additionally, he assured the Micro Observers of all necessary arrangements being made for their deployment to the outer islands.
Mr. Anand Vardhan Mishra, the Nodal Officer for Manpower & Management, also extended assurances to the Micro Observers, affirming that all requisite facilities and arrangements have been meticulously organised to support them throughout their duties, particularly during their deployment to the outer islands.