Pune Lok Sabha Election: 24×7 Integrated Control Room Set Up for Enhanced Election Security
Sumit Singh & Tikam Shekhawat
Pune, 11th May 2024: Voting for the Maval, Pune, and Shirur Lok Sabha constituencies in the district will take place on Monday, May 13. District Election Officer and Collector Dr. Suhas Diwase stated that preparations for the Lok Sabha General Election are complete, and the administration is poised to conduct the election transparently and peacefully.
He made these remarks during a press conference held at the Collector’s office to outline the Lok Sabha general election program. Deputy Election Officer Minal Kalaskar was also present at the event.
Dr. Diwase assured that all necessary facilities will be provided at every polling station to ensure a seamless voting experience for voters. Special provisions have been made, including sheds for shade, separate queues, seating arrangements, waiting rooms, drinking water, toilets, medical facilities, and wheelchairs for senior citizens and disabled individuals.
Since April 28, a total of 68,73,000 voter slips have been distributed across the district. Special meetings have been organized in each housing association to encourage voter participation, along with filling out sample number 6 for new voter registrations.
Moreover, arrangements have been made for postal voting for senior citizens and disabled citizens in all three constituencies. Additionally, help desks have been set up in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporations to assist citizens not listed in the voter registry, Dr Diwase informed.
To ensure a high voter turnout, various initiatives have been undertaken under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program, particularly targeting migrant workers and students. Webcasting will be implemented at sensitive polling stations, and comprehensive security measures have been put in place, he added.
Dr. Diwase emphasized that only authorized individuals will be allowed inside polling stations, including polling officers, candidates, election representatives, media personnel, micro-observers, and individuals assisting disabled voters. Special facilities will be provided for disabled and elderly voters, including wheelchair assistance and priority voting.
Elaborate security arrangements have been made, including the establishment of a 24×7 integrated control room at sensitive polling stations and the deployment of armed police personnel.
Dr. Diwase urged voters to actively participate in the elections and uphold democracy. He reminded voters of the prohibition on carrying mobile phones within a 100-meter radius of polling stations and emphasized that strict action would be taken against any violations.
