DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
SAMBA, Aug 22
District Election Officer (DEO) Samba, Rajesh Sharma today chaired a crucial meeting to assess the readiness for the forthcoming Assembly Elections. The meeting was aimed at bolstering security measures across the district, with emphasis on the sensitive border areas. The meeting witnessed the participation of several high-ranking officials, including SSP Vinay Kumar; Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jagdish Singh; Commandants of the Border Security Force (BSF); the Nodal Officer for Model Code of Conduct (MCC); the Nodal Officer for Election Expenditure Monitoring (EEM); Returning Officers and other senior officers from various departments and security agencies.
The discussions centered on the coordination between the BSF and the Police Department to mitigate potential security risks and threats. DEO Rajesh Sharma stressed the importance of seamless communication and collaboration among the Security Forces to safeguard the electoral process and maintain peace.
To ensure a free and fair election, the DEO placed a strong emphasis on the monitoring of election expenditure.
The Nodal Officer for Election Expenditure Monitoring was instructed to take stringent measures to track and regulate election-related expenses. “The intent is to eliminate the influence of illicit money power in the electoral process, thereby upholding the integrity of the elections” he added. The DEO directed the expenditure monitoring teams to stay vigilant and proactive, ensuring that all candidates adhere strictly to the prescribed expenditure limits.
The District Mineral Officer (DMO) was tasked with enhancing the monitoring of illegal mining activities, particularly at critical checkpoints. Additionally, the Excise and Taxation officers were instructed to curb illegal cash flows that could undermine the integrity of the elections.
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) was also directed to collaborate closely with local law enforcement to address any drug-related challenges that might affect the election environment.
The meeting concluded with a strong commitment from all departments to work in unison to ensure a smooth, secure, and transparent electoral process in Samba District. The DEO expressed confidence in the district’s preparedness and urged all officials to remain vigilant and proactive in the lead-up to the elections.
