Suryaa News Desk: District Collector DK Balaji has directed officials to ensure error-free preparations for the upcoming three-phase Gram Panchayat elections. The Collector held a review meeting at the Collectorate on Monday with Joint Collector M. Naveen, Assistant Collector Namrata Agarwal, the District Panchayat Officer, RDOs, DLDOs, and other officials.
During the meeting, the Collector reviewed aspects including voter lists, polling stations, reservations, ballot boxes, ballot paper printing, identification of sensitive centers, nomination processes, and staff training. Collector Balaji emphasized the need for accuracy in voter details and ward-wise distribution to prevent errors. He instructed that voters must be correctly assigned to their respective wards and polling centers, ensuring proper division between hamlets and main villages.
Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have been instructed to personally visit every polling station to assess building conditions and available facilities. Officials must identify dilapidated buildings or centers lacking necessary infrastructure and submit reports on alternative arrangements. MPDOs are required to submit certification regarding the suitability of polling stations, and any changes must follow regulations with prior notification to political parties.
Regarding logistics, the Collector ordered an assessment of ballot box requirements by mandal. He suggested prioritizing the first phase of elections by reallocating boxes from the third phase if necessary, followed by phased adjustments. A transportation plan between nearby mandals must be created, with all movements recorded. Additionally, ballot boxes must be repaired and kept ready for use.
The Collector also directed that ballot paper printing should align with the final list of candidates and symbol allocations, with contingency plans in place for last-minute changes. Furthermore, he ordered the effective appointment and training of route officers, zonal officers, and other staff from various departments. The meeting was attended by ZP CEO M. Srihari, RDOs K. Sambasiva Rao and G. Balasubramanyam, and other election department officials.