Ramanathapuram has 145 polling stations identified as sensitive, says DEO Simranjeet Singh Kahlon

“A total of 145 polling stations in Ramanathapuram district have been identified as sensitive. Paramilitary forces will be deployed for security at these locations,” said Ramanathapuram Collector and District Election Officer Simranjeet Singh Kahlon.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday ahead of the assembly elections, he said, “The Model Code of Conduct has come into force in the district since Sunday (March 15), when the election date was announced.”

“Polling stations and counting centres are ready. There are 1,514 polling stations across the four constituencies in the district. Among these, 145 polling stations have been identified as sensitive, where micro-observers and paramilitary forces will be engaged in monitoring,” he noted.

A total of 7,267 officials are to be deployed for election work, with an additional 20% of officials selected and kept on standby, he added.

Some of the facilitations like setting up two model polling stations in each legislative assembly constituency, voting from home facility for seniors over 85 years of age and persons with disabilities would done by Election Commission of India to engage more voters. For those availing the facility, voting forms would be delivered to their homes by polling officials by April 5, he noted.

“The Election Commission has released 30 new announcements for the upcoming election. Accordingly, for the first time, 100% of the polling stations in the district will be monitored via online cameras. The candidate’s colour photograph will appear on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). Voters can access all facilities through the Election Commission’s ‘ECINET’ app,” Mr. Simranjeet Singh Kahlon stated.

Regarding surveillance duties, he said, 36 flying squads and 36 static squads have been appointed.

He appealed to the voters to ensure that the district achieves over 85% voter turnout in the upcoming elcetions.

“Until the elections are over, the public can drop their grievances and request petitions in the petition boxes located at the Collector’s office and the Revenue Divisional Offices. For election-related complaints and requests, the toll-free numbers 1950 and 18004257092 can be used,” the Collector stated.

Superintendent of Police G. Chandeesh said: “Along with the district police, a company of 120 personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF), a paramilitary force, is engaged in election security work. So far, 800 history-sheeters (habitual offenders) have been identified, and bonds have been obtained from them promising not to involve themselves in crimes.”

Out of the 150 licensed guns in the district, 125 have been surrendered to the police. The remaining 25 have been exempted and are being used for security, he said.