Hyderabad: Vikas Raj, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Telangana, has underscored the importance of submitting all reports to the Election Commission of India (ECI) within the specified timeframe, emphasizing the need for consolidation and prompt transmission to the ECI.
The CEO, who held a video conference on Tuesday, addressed key election preparations alongside Commissioner GHMC, DEO Hyderabad, District Election Officers, and Returning Officers. The conference was attended by Additional CEO Sri Lokesh Kumar and Joint CEO Sarfaraz Ahmad, a release said on Tuesday.
During the conference, CEO Raj conducted a detailed review of Home Voting, a new initiative in Telangana allowing senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) to cast their votes at home. He highlighted the meticulous planning involved, including training officials, maintaining voting secrecy through videography, and daily communication with political parties and candidates.
The CEO disclosed that home voting had commenced in most districts on the same day, providing a positive experience for voters who praised the administration and ECI for the innovative facility.
Further, CEO Raj assessed arrangements for hassle-free voting at voter facilitation centers, emphasizing the trouble-free experience for officials on election duty. This marks the first implementation of voting facilitation centers in Telangana.
The CEO also confirmed the receipt of postal and EVM ballot papers with DEOs, instructing their careful verification and secure storage as per ECI guidelines. Additionally, he monitored the progress of EPIC printing and distribution, reassuring that the process would be completed before polling day.
Feedback on the second randomization of polling staff indicated sufficient availability, with dedicated district-level officers nominated for their welfare and logistical support.
Regarding EVMs, CEO Raj informed that commissioning would take place on the 23rd and 24th in all districts, with political party representatives and observers in attendance. He ensured the presence of ECIL engineers in all districts until the end of polling.
CEO Raj reviewed the distribution of Voter Information Slips (VIS), revealing that 2.20 crores out of 3.26 crores VIS had been distributed by November 20, 2023, with the remaining to be completed by November 23. He emphasized proper distribution protocols to prevent complaints and directed DEOs to conduct random checks in the field.
The CEO reminded DEOs about setting up Model Polling Stations reflecting Telangana’s tradition, culture, and eco-friendly principles. He stressed the importance of engaging with the media daily to promote democratic values and participation in the electoral process.
CEO Raj urged all DEOs to be vigilant and proactive in the coming days until the completion of the entire election process.
