Port Blair, Feb 25: Mr. SuneelAnchipaka, IAS, the Director, Panchayat and Municipal Elections, A&N Islands accompanied by Mr. Kishore KshirsagarLakshman, IAS, Secretary (APWD), Mr. Ankit Chauhan, IPS, Superintendent of Police (District), Mr. HariKallikkat, IAS, Additional District Magistrate and Mr. Prem Singh Meena, Officer In-Charge (Elections) visited Little Andaman Tehsil to assess the ongoing preparatory arrangements for the ensuing Panchayat Elections.
During the visit, DPME held meetings with the local representatives of the Political Parties, officials of Line Departments, Police and urged their cooperation in conducting the elections in a free and fair manner.
The DPME also held meetings with the Assistant Returning Officers and reviewed the Model Mode of Conduct (MCC) with the Police and Sector Officers.
He further requested all concerned to ensure COVID protocols as per the guidelines issued by the Election Commission for UTs and reiterated that any violation in this regard will be dealt severely.
The queries related to different forms to be used during the elections were raised by the representatives of the political parties and the same was redressed by DPME.
The Director along with officials inspected the Strong Room at the ALHW recreation hall meant for storing polled materials and the designated Counting Centre at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Hutbay.
Later, the DPME along with officials of the Line Department inspected the Polling Stations of Little Andaman Tehsil and reviewed the Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs).
He issued specific instructions to the concerned officials of the Line Department to ensure that the AMFs such as Signage, Help Desk, Ramp, Toilets, Drinking Water, Separate Entry & Exit, Lighting, and Furniture as specified by the Election Commission. He directed that all arrangements should be made ready for the smooth conduct of the polls.
The DPME urged the local populace to come forward and exercise their franchise to their elected representatives in the upcoming elections.
