Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 13 April 2024
In view of the forthcoming General Election-2024, the Election Commission of India (ECI) convened a crucial Video Conference with Central Observers on 12th April 2024, aiming to assess poll readiness and oversee essential activities. Acknowledging the pivotal role of Observers in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, the Commission emphasised their significance in upholding the principles of free and fair elections.
Central Observers, comprising seasoned government officials appointed by the Commission at the Assembly/Parliamentary level, serve a vital function in maintaining equitable conditions throughout the electoral landscape. Acting as the eyes and ears of the Commission, they are entrusted with the responsibility of submitting comprehensive reports to the Commission on a regular basis, thereby contributing to the transparency and impartiality of the electoral process.
The video conference, attended by officials from the Mini Conference Hall of Secretariat, saw the participation of key figures including:
General Observer: Mr. Brajesh Narain Singh, IAS
Police Observer: Mr. Ravi Joseph Lokku, IPS
Expenditure Observer: Mr. Satyajit Mandal, IRS(IT)
Chief Electoral Officer, A&N Islands: Mr. B.S Jaglan, IAS
State Police Nodal Officer: Ms. Monika Bhardwaj, IPS
With the General Election-2024 looming on the horizon, such collaborative efforts underscore the ECI’s commitment to upholding the democratic values and principles that underpin India’s electoral framework. The proactive engagement of Central Observers stands as a testament to the collective endeavour to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process and safeguard the democratic rights of the nation’s citizens.