Chandigarh, April 6:
In view of ensuing assembly election in the state of Punjab early next year, the office of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Punjab Dr. S. Karuna Raju directed the election officials to get into election mode. In this regard, a meeting was held today with Election Tehsildars and Election Kanungos of all 22 districts of Punjab through Google Meet.
Assembly elections in the state of Punjab shall be held early next year and the office of Chief Electoral Officer Punjab has already initiated a drive for continuous updation of voter list. In the current pandemic situation, technology plays a pivotal role and thus the role of mobile applications increase manifold. All officials have been directed to popularize the usage of mobile application to the maximum extent possible. The apps mainly include Voter Helpline app for general public, PwD app for persons with disability Garud app for Booth Level officers (BLOs).
Dr S.Karuna Raju, IAS, CEO, Punjab emphasized that decentralized approach helps in conduct of free and fair elections.
He gave directions to officials to physically verify all polling booths and suggest more locations in view of COVID-19 situation and updating all relevant data.
Ms. Madhvi Kataria, IAS, Additional CEO, Punjab directed the field officers to undertake a special drive to popularize the mobile applications especially the PwD app for persons with disability. The newly launched initiative of the Election Commission of India, ‘Hello Voters needs to be popularized. District SVEEP Icons shall be engaged for making small audio clips for ‘Hello Voters’
Field officers were directed to utilise technology in best possible way for outreach activities. Google meets and webinars were suggested for category wise intervention for PwDs, transgender, youth etc.
Field officers were also directed to utilize social media effectively use it to disseminate information and create electoral awareness to the target audience especially the youth.
Citizens can fill form to avail services like registration, correction or deletion of name in the voter list by filling up form at DC office, the office of Electoral Registration Officers or contacting the concerned Booth Level officer (BLO). Alternatively, these services are also available online through website www.voterportal.eci.gov.in or through Voter Helpline Mobile App.
