RAJOURI: General Observer Mani Ram Sharma, on Friday conducted an extensive visit to polling stations in Assembly Constituencies 83-Kalakote Sunderbani and 84-Nowshera.
The visit was aimed at reviewing the overall preparedness ahead of elections scheduled to be held on September 25, 2024 in Rajouri- the second phase of the J&K Assembly Elections.
Mani Ram Sharma inspected the Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) at the polling stations, ensuring the availability of necessary amenities such as drinking water, electricity, toilets, ramps for Persons with Disabilities (PwD), and proper seating arrangements for voters.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards of voter convenience and accessibility to encourage maximum voter participation.
Sharma also assessed the security arrangements in place to ensure a safe and peaceful election process. He reviewed the *vulnerability mapping* of sensitive polling stations and examined the contingency plans prepared by local authorities to address any potential challenges during the voting process.
Furthermore, Mani Ram Sharma conducted a thorough review of the scrutiny of documents at the Returning Officer (RO) offices in both Kalakote and Nowshera. This scrutiny is a key aspect of election preparation to ensure all legal requirements are met and election processes are conducted without any discrepancies.
As part of his role, Mani Ram Sharma will remain stationed at the Forest Guest House, Nowshera, until the culmination of the election process on October 8, 2024. Any political groups, candidates, or members of the public who have concerns or grievances can directly reach him at his local contact number: 9906475160
Accompanying Sharma on this important visit were ARO Kalakote, Tanveer Ahmed; ARO Nowshera, Babu Ram Tandon; Liaison Officer Mohd Sayeed; Tehsildar Nowshera, along with other district and sectoral officers. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) from the respective polling stations were also present, facilitating a thorough inspection and ensuring that all necessary measures were in place.