Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Mar 11: Deputy commissioner Sasikanth Senthil said, "Concrete measures will be taken ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections,”

Addressing media here on Monday March 11, Sasikanth Senthil, who also happens to be the district election officer, said, "General elections in the state have been divided into to two phases. Elections in Dakshina Kannada will be held on April 18. The issue of notification will be on March 19, last date for filling nominations is March 26, scrutiny of nominations will be March 27, and the last date for withdrawal of nominations is March 29,”

“There are 16,97 417 voters in the district compared to 15,64,114 voters during the last general elections in 2014. There are 21,292 young voters, while voters enrolled as other gender are 99. The process of continuous updating of electoral roll will end seven days before the last date of filing nominations,” he informed.

“Booth level officers will prepare a list of absentees, and dead or shifted (ASD) and this list will be given to the presiding officers on the poll day. There are 1,861 polling stations in Dakshina Kannada, compared to 1,790 polling stations set up during Lok Sabha elections in 2014.

“The Election Commission (EC) has instructed that EVM's VVPAT shall be carefully monitored as it shall be fitted with GPS tracking system so that there will be no misplacement of EVMs and VVPAT.

“The EC has also taken measures to prevent public nuisance and have directed usage of eco-friendly substances for preparing election campaign and publicity articles. The commission has also directed all political parties, contesting candidates and their authorised agents to desist from utilising environmentally hazardous materials like plastics, and polythene for the preparation of election related publicity materials during elections.

"The EC, concerned about noise pollution has directed the usage of loud speakers by political parties and ask it to be restricted from 10 pm to 6 am. In case of religious programmes, permission should be sought. No one should be adamant to set up loud speakers in the said timings and break the rules of EC.

"Comprehensive instructions for the purpose of effective monitoring of election expenditure of the candidates have been issued, which include formation of 73 flying squads, 62 static surveillance teams and 25 video surveillance teams.

“MCC cannot violate common man's right from conducting personal programme like weddings or any other. In case of any political leaders arriving to private functions, organisers need to keep us informed about it.

“All kinds of banners and flexes will be removed which is hoisted at public properties. In case, any kind of political flex or banners are put up in private property, permission should be sought from the local bodies,” he said.

People-friendly app

DC Sasikanth Senthil urged people to use voter helpline mobile app which provides convenience to all citizens for finding names in the electoral roll, submitting online forms, checking the status of the application, and filing complaints.

“cVIGIL app can also be used to report any kind violations of model code of conduct. If anyone tries to make a prank call, it will be traced and action will be taken against the same,” he said.

Security measures

Police commissioner Sandeep Patil said, "We will take concrete measures for smooth and peaceful elections which are scheduled on April 18. We have already conducted meetings with regard to required forces ahead of elections. As part of pre-election preparations, we have booked preventives cases on more than 500 rowdies. In addition, externment has implemented on three people.

"We will also identify vulnerable areas and set check post wherever needed. Also, six inter-state check posts will be set up where police personnel will be deployed. The check posts will be installed with CCTV cameras. There are 2,010 licensed weapons. We have asked the owners to deposit their weapons. In case of weapon exemption, they have to put an application for the same.

"We are also checking the list of accused that have been issued non-bailable warrants. Meanwhile, we are also giving election training to our police personnel,” he said.

Superintendent of police Lakshmi Prasad said, "In the district, we have identified some vulnerable areas and confidence building measures will be taken over the same. Over 300 people have been booked under security cases. In addition to this, we are conducting raids on illicit liquor joints. We are also keeping a close watch on social media. In case there is any kind of violation, suo moto cases will be booked.”