All arrangements in place for Ponda by-election: Officials

Senior district and police officials took stock of the law and order situation in Ponda Assembly constituency at a meeting in the South Goa District Collectorate.

MARGAO
No vulnerable or critical polling stations have been identified for the by-poll for the Ponda Assembly constituency going to the polls on April 9.
The South Goa district administration, as well as the police machinery, have put in place all measures, including flying squad teams, static surveillance teams and sector magistrates, to ensure the free, fair and smooth conduct of the by-election.
A meeting to review law & order security arrangements for the by-election to the 21-Ponda Assembly constituency was convened by Keshav Ram Chaurasia, IPS, IGP-Goa Police, and Egna Cleetus, IAS, Collector & District Election Officer, South Goa, in the presence of Vinita Sahu, Police Observer. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including ADM (Law & Order), SP South, SP (Election), DYSP and representatives from various departments.
During the meeting, preparedness for the smooth conduct of elections was reviewed. It was informed that adequate law and order arrangements are in place, with two Additional District Magistrates already appointed.
Flying Squad Teams, Static Surveillance Teams and Sector Magistrates have been deployed, and no vulnerable or critical polling stations have been identified. Polling personnel have been appointed and training schedules finalised. EVM and VVPAT management, including randomisation and secure storage, is being carried out as per ECI guidelines.
Arrangements for postal ballots, including home voting for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, were discussed. The role of District MCMC in monitoring media and paid news was also highlighted.
The Police Observer emphasised the need for preventive measures, including inspection of arms manufacturing units and liquor production units to monitor input and output. He also directed that the status of cases, such as check post monitoring, be regularly reviewed.
Special emphasis was laid on accessibility measures for PwD voters, including identification, transportation and polling station facilities. Various voter awareness activities were also planned. The meeting concluded that all necessary arrangements are in place for the free, fair and smooth conduct of the by-election.