Assured Minimum Facilities Must Be Provided at Polling Stations to Increase Voter Turnout – Pune Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar

Assembly General Election 2024

Sangli : In connection with the Assembly General Election 2024, all appointed agencies must diligently follow the instructions of the Election Commission of India to conduct elections peacefully in a free and transparent environment. To increase voter turnout, voter awareness along with assured minimum facilities at polling stations should be provided, said Pune Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar here today.

He was speaking from the chair during a review meeting of all nodal officers organized in the meeting hall of the Collector’s office. Present at this time were Collector and District Election Officer Dr. Raja Dayanidhi, District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Tripti Dhodmise, Superintendent of Police Sandeep Ghughe, Resident Sub-Divisional Officer Jyoti Patil, Sub-Divisional Election Officer Nita Shinde, along with all nodal officers appointed for election work.

Stressing the inclusion of representatives from political parties at every stage of the election process, Pune Divisional Commissioner Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar said that planned efforts should be made to increase voter turnout in all eight assembly constituencies of the district. He suggested organizing school competitions and other contests for students, including selfie competitions. Proper planning for postal ballots should also be undertaken. He advised taking help from youth under 18, as needed, to assist voters at polling stations by referring to the commission’s instructions.

He emphasized the need to ensure that webcasting at polling stations runs smoothly and that immediate responses are provided to complaints received on the C-Vigil platform, prioritizing their resolution. Dr. Chandrakant Pulkundwar stated that all agencies should responsibly fulfill their duties with vigilance and provide assured minimum facilities for senior citizens, women, disabled voters, and others at polling stations, as per the instructions of the Election Commission of India. He urged election decision officers to plan for facilities such as ramps and wheelchairs for the disabled, drinking water, shelter shades, clean restrooms, and chairs.

At this meeting, Collector Dr. Raja Dayanidhi presented information on pre-election preparations and the readiness of election administration. Superintendent of Police Sandeep Ghughe provided information related to law and order through his presentation.

Collector Dr. Raja Dayanidhi welcomed Divisional Commissioner Mr. Pulkundwar, while Nita Shinde expressed gratitude.

Visit to Code of Conduct Room, Complaint Redressal Room, and Media Room

Before the meeting, Divisional Commissioner Mr. Pulkundwar visited the Code of Conduct Room, Complaint Redressal Room, and Media Room to inspect the operations. During this visit, nodal officer and Resident Sub-Divisional Officer Jyoti Patil from the Code of Conduct Room, Mangesh Surwase, nodal officer from the Complaint Redressal Room, and Sanprada Bidkar, nodal officer from the Media Room, provided information about the actions being taken in their respective departments.