Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 23 February 2024
In anticipation of the forthcoming General Election to Lok Sabha 2024, Mr. B S Jaglan, IAS, the Chief Electoral Officer of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, chaired a crucial meeting. The meeting, which convened various key stakeholders including the Returning Officer, ANIPC, State Police Nodal Officer, ANI, and officers from the Election Department, aimed to meticulously assess the election planner, SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) plan, and welfare measures for poll personnel.
According to the Election Commission of India’s planner, a comprehensive schedule of activities has been outlined. The discussion emphasised strategies to bolster voter turnout through an array of awareness initiatives under the SVEEP program, urging voters to exercise their fundamental right to vote.
The conduct of elections entails a myriad of tasks overseen by an election machinery comprising officials and staff from diverse departments. The Election Commission of India has consistently prioritised the welfare of the election machinery, ensuring they receive necessary facilities while discharging their duties, especially amidst challenging circumstances. In line with this commitment, the CEO directed the implementation of facilitations and welfare measures for polling personnel as per the Commission’s guidelines.
The meeting witnessed the presence of key figures including Ms. Veditha Reddy, IAS, the Returning Officer for ANIPC; Ms. Monika Bhardwaj, IPS, the State Police Nodal Officer; Mr. Dilkhush Meena, IAS, Joint Chief Electoral Officer; Mr. Vinayak Chamadia, IAS, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer; and Mr. Anand Vardhan Mishra, OIC, Elections.
The collaborative efforts showcased in this meeting underscore the dedication of electoral authorities to ensure the smooth conduct of elections and uphold the democratic process in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. With meticulous planning and concerted initiatives, the stage is set for a successful and participatory electoral exercise in the region.