Ludhiana west bypoll: Live webcasting from all polling booths to be ensured, says CEO
Punjab chief electoral officer (CEO), Sibin C, held a video conferencing meeting on Thursday with the deputy commissioner-cum-district election officer and the police commissioner of Ludhiana to review preparations for the byelection of the Ludhiana West assembly constituency.
During the meeting, the CEO instructed officials to conduct the election process in a peaceful and transparent manner in accordance with the Act, rules and guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI). He directed the district election officer to ensure proper arrangements at polling stations, counting halls and strong rooms. He also emphasised that 100% live webcasting from polling stations must be ensured for real-time monitoring.
To facilitate voters, Sibin C directed that assured minimum facilities (AMF) such as drinking water, waiting areas, toilets and heat protection measures at polling stations must be ensured. He also called for strict adherence to Covid-19 safety protocols.
Regarding strong room security, the CEO instructed that robust surveillance systems must be implemented. He further emphasised prompt action on any violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and swift redressal of related complaints. He instructed officials to maintain a close watch on paid news and to ensure adequate food and accommodation arrangements for polling staff. To boost voter participation, he directed officials to intensify Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) activities.
The CEO instructed the Ludhiana police commissioner to enhance vigilance during the last 72, 48 and 24 hours prior to polling and until the conclusion of the election process. Orders were issued to increase security at checkpoints and to monitor the movement of outsiders in the constituency. He called for 24X7 CCTV surveillance to curb illegal transportation of drugs, liquor, cash and other inducements.
The CEO stressed that any complaints of inducements such as cash or other materials to mislead voters must be dealt immediately.
The deputy commissioner-cum-district election officer and the police commissioner assured the CEO that all necessary arrangements for the byelection have been completed and that the election process will be conducted strictly in line with the election commission's directions.
The meeting was attended by ADGP-cum-state police nodal officer MF Farooqui, additional CEO Harish Nayar, joint CEO Sakatar Singh Bal, election officer Anju Bala and other officials from the CEO's office.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Wire
2 hours ago
- The Wire
Rural Development Ministry Seeks 12% Hike in MGNREGS Outlay: Report
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Government Rural Development Ministry Seeks 12% Hike in MGNREGS Outlay: Report The Wire Staff 7 minutes ago A report by Indian Express finds that the Ministry of Rural Development has sought an outlay of Rs 5.23 lakh crore for the scheme for five years until 2029-30. Representative image of a labourer at work in Rajasthan. Photo: Eric Parker/Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0) Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now New Delhi: Despite the Union government's consistent efforts to underplay the primacy of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, a report by Indian Express finds that the Ministry of Rural Development has sought an increased outlay – of Rs 5.23 lakh crore – for the scheme for five years until 2029-30. The report makes public findings from the rural development ministry's May 15 proposal to the Expenditure Finance Committee, that functions under the finance ministry and appraises all government schemes and projects. The report says that the outlay for five years till 2029-2030 is nearly 12% higher than the Union government's release of Rs 4.68 lakh crore for MGNREGS during the previous five financial years, from 2020-2021 to 2024-2025. In the Union Budget 2025, the Narendra Modi government allocated Rs 86,000 crore to the United Progressive Alliance-era scheme – the same amount as what was spent on the scheme as per the Revised Estimate of 2024-2025. Rs 86,000 crore is also the exact amount that was promised in the Union Budget of 2024-25, presented in July, 2024, after the National Democratic Government came back to power. The Wire has reported earlier how in an indication of fresh economic strain in rural India, demand for unskilled work under the MGNREGS has seen an increase in April and May this year, according to the data from the same rural development ministry. As many as 20.12 million rural households were among those who sought employment under the scheme in April. The figure slightly increased to 20.37 million in May, till the 18th of the month. The Express report notes that release of funds under the scheme had peaked at Rs 1,09,810 crore in 2020-21, the first full year after COVID-19 outbreak. A record 7.55 crore rural families availed themselves of the scheme. The report also quoted sources in the government as having said that the EFC appraisal and approval is part of government's exercise to evaluate and approve its schemes for the next Finance Commission cycle. The MGNREGS is backed by law and therefore the EFC approval is 'just a formality,' the report said. The ministry's outlay is also subject to change, sources told the paper. Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News Why We Need Social Audits in the MGNREGS Demand For Work Under MGNREGS Goes Up, Actual Job Creation Declines: Report Cops Arrest Gujarat Minister's Second Son in Alleged MGNREGS Funds Scam Modi's Cult-Driven Foreign Outreach Efforts Have Left India Friendless Modi is Maun: How the Sudden Ceasefire Marred the Prime Minister's PR Script By Calling For the Boycott of Foreign Goods, Modi Contradicts Himself Facing Pushback, Derision and Anger, BJP Says News of Sindoor Distribution Plans 'Fake' 'Army Bowing at Modi ji's Feet': Why a Deputy CM's Gaffe Doesn't Bode Well Why Modi Won't Let Go of the BJP's Reins View in Desktop Mode About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
Hans India
2 hours ago
- Hans India
Manohar launches supply of ration through fair price shops
Pithapuram: In an effort to ensure transparency and curb irregularities in the public distribution system (PDS), the Andhra Pradesh government has reintroduced the distribution of essential commodities through fair price shops, announced Minister for Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Nadendla Manohar. Speaking to the media after launching the ration distribution at a PDS outlet in Pithapuram town on Sunday, the Minister highlighted the government's commitment to revamping the ration system for the benefit of the people. The State government has taken steps to distribute essential commodities to 1.46 crore families through a network of 29,761 ration shops across Andhra Pradesh, he said. Beneficiaries are now allowed to collect their ration supplies from any nearby shop, not just the one linked to their ration card, he added. He said that this will offer greater convenience and flexibility. Minister Manohar accused the previous government of misusing nearly ₹1,700 crore of public funds under the guise of doorstep delivery of rations. In contrast, he claimed the current government's revitalisation of ration shops is expected to save Rs385 crore in public funds. Ration shops will now remain open from the 1st to the 15th of every month, operating in two shifts 8 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm allowing beneficiaries to collect their supplies at their convenience. For 15.6 lakh specially identified beneficiaries, including the elderly above 65 years and differently-abled persons, home delivery will be ensured by the 5th of each month. To streamline this service, dedicated WhatsApp groups have been formed to monitor deliveries. Dealers have been instructed to upload delivery photos in real time, and any discrepancies in weight or denial of services will result in strict action. Dealers are also advised to ensure the proper functioning of ePoS and weighing machines and to arrange alternate methods in case of tenical issues. The Minister also explained that a new mobile application is being developed to provide real-time updates and transparency in the distribution process. For quick grievance redressal, QR codes are being installed at every ration shop to allow beneficiaries to directly contact higher officials. Minister Manohar stated that soon after the new government assumed office, it took firm steps to curb the ration mafia. Tight security has been deployed at ports like Kakinada and Visakhapatnam to prevent illegal rice smuggling to other States. He further revealed that those involved in smuggling activities have been booked under the Preventive Detention (PD) Act, with security tightened at all ports across the State. This initiative marks a significant move toward restoring integrity and efficiency in the State's public distribution system. Kakinada Rural MLA Pantham Nanaji, Former MLAs SVSN Varma, Pendem Dorababu and others participated in the programme.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Delhi: Two MCD standing committee members' elections to be held today
The election for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi's ( MCD ) Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of 12 ward committees, along with two standing committee members -- each from South Zone and City-SP Zone -- will be held on Monday. The election of the two standing committee members was necessitated after Prem Chauhan and Punardeep Singh Sawhney tendered their resignations on being elected to the Delhi Legislative Assembly. Prem Chauhan and Punardeep Singh Sawhney were the members of the standing committee from the Wards Committee South Zone and the Wards Committee City-SP Zone, respectively. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gain expertise in Deep Learning & NLP with AI & ML BITS Pilani WILP Apply Now Undo "In pursuance of Sub-section (5) of Section 45 of the Act, these vacancies are to be filled up by the concerned Wards Committees in a meeting from amongst the Councillors of the Wards Committee", a notice from MCD said. Both BJP and AAP are making every effort to ensure that their candidates win. Out of the 12 ward committees, elections in three zones will be uncontested, as there is only one candidate in each zone. Live Events The results will shape the standing committee's formation and reveal which party gains majority control to appoint its Chairman. Meanwhile, AAP's Saurabh Bharadwaj said on Sunday that the election will reveal the relationship between Congress and BJP. "Tomorrow, there are elections for the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the MCD Rohini zone. On one side is the panel of BJP-supported IVP, and on the other side is the Aam Aadmi Party . The Congress president should tell whom the two Congress councillors will vote for tomorrow. Tomorrow, the relationship between Congress and the BJP will be revealed," he said on X. On May 24, With over two years still to go, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) shifted into mission mode for the 2027 Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) elections, setting its sights on forming a huge majority in the civic body, a press release from the Aam Aadmi Party said. In a high-level strategy meeting held on Friday, senior AAP leader and former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, Delhi state president Saurabh Bharadwaj, and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the MCD House Ankush Narang met with all party councillors to start the preparations. Former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia reviewed ward-level issues in detail and directed councillors to ensure immediate redressing. " Arvind Kejriwal has pioneered an alternative politics of work across India. Our goal now is to take this model to every household and make it even stronger," said Manish Sisodia.
