Jammu, June 28: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated preparations for the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir by releasing the schedule for the summary revision of the Electoral Roll. The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has directed all District Election Officers (DEOs) across the region to begin activities as outlined in the Election Planner provided by the ECI.
In a communication dated June 27, 2024, the Special Secretary from the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir emphasized the importance of adhering to the ECI’s guidelines. The letter, addressed to the DEOs of Kupwara, Bandipora, Baramulla, Srinagar, Ganderbal, Budgam, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Anantnag, Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Samba, Reasi, Udhampur, Kathua, Jammu, Rajouri, and Poonch, highlighted the need for meticulous and timely execution of pre-poll activities.
This directive follows the ECI’s letter No: 23/2024-ERS(vol.11) dated June 20, 2024, which outlines the schedule for the summary revision of the Electoral Roll. The DEOs have been instructed to ensure that all activities are completed within the stipulated timeframe to facilitate the smooth and successful conduct of the elections.
The enclosed Election Planner, referenced in the communication, provides a detailed roadmap for the necessary preparations. This includes updating voter lists, setting up polling stations, and ensuring the accessibility and integrity of the electoral process. The DEOs are expected to follow the guidelines rigorously to uphold the democratic process and ensure that all eligible voters are accurately registered and informed.
Additionally, to enhance the efficiency and precision of election planning, the Election Commission has also released an updated Election Planner. The announcement was made in a circular sent to the Chief Electoral Officers of all States and Union Territories, emphasizing the importance of organized and methodical advance election planning.
The Secretary of the Election Commission underscored that the updated Election Planner is intended to serve as a comprehensive guide for the election machinery during the current round of General Elections and for future elections. It is designed as a ready reckoner, providing indicative guidelines rather than supplanting existing election-related statutes, rules, or Commission-mandated procedures. In cases of any conflict or ambiguity, the extant rules and instructions will take precedence.
The circular also encouraged Chief Electoral Officers and District Election Officers to create and utilize Micro-Plans with specific deadlines for various tasks. These Micro-Plans should align with the broad deadlines mentioned in the Election Planner. This approach is expected to facilitate more detailed and localized planning, ensuring that election preparations are both thorough and timely.
To ensure accessibility and ease of use, a soft copy of the updated Election Planner has already been distributed via email to the relevant officials. The Election Commission has requested acknowledgment of the receipt of the circular to confirm its dissemination.
