UditVani, Jamshedpur: Preparations for the Ghatshila Assembly Bypoll gained momentum on Thursday as District Election Officer (DEO) Karn Satyarthi chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the Sub-Divisional Auditorium.
The meeting focused on ensuring seamless arrangements for polling day, including EVM dispatch and receiving, transportation logistics, and essential facilities at polling stations.
The DEO directed officials to reassess all polling stations for basic amenities such as ramps, drinking water, electricity, and toilets.
He instructed that any gaps be addressed promptly so polling teams encounter no inconvenience.
Special priority, he said, must be given to dispatching women polling personnel.
Officials apprised that 262 polling teams will proceed directly to their polling stations, while 38 teams will report at designated cluster points.
Detailed deliberations were held on the distribution of polling materials, movement planning for polling personnel and security forces, food arrangements at polling centres and clusters, communication protocols, final randomisation of polling parties and micro observers, route-wise vehicle availability, and the secure transport of EVMs to the receiving centre post-voting.
Emphasising accessibility and voter convenience, the DEO directed that wheelchairs be provided at all polling stations and volunteers be deployed to assist persons with disabilities. He also stressed strict compliance with Election Commission guidelines, including identity verification for burqa-clad or veiled voters and prompt replacement of EVMs/VVPATs in case of malfunction.
To streamline the dispatch and receiving process, the DEO announced the establishment of 20 counters to ensure smooth and timely movement of polling teams. He instructed officials to physically inspect every arrangement and submit verification reports so that all systems remain fully operational on November 11, the polling day.
