the goan I network
PANAJI
Speaking to media persons while being beamed live on Facebook, Chief Electoral Officer for Goa, Kunal has said they have been quick and effective to deal with complaints.
“The police have been given the task of dealing with matka cases, both SPs were asked to control the situation effectively. In two days, they have booked 37 cases in South Goa district and as of Saturday had booked 16 cases in North Goa. We are working towards controlling illicit drug trade as well as matka. Commercial taxes have been asked to keep an eye on casions,” he said.
He said, vigil was also on anti social elements and those having potential to create trouble. Since the model code of conduct, 15 cases have been booked under 107CrPC and one case under 110 CrPC. In the pre election phase more than 3,000 cases of anti social behavior cases were registered and are currently under phases of disposal by various magistrates, “so trouble makers are already under our radar.”
With 50 teams in place including a flying squad, Kunal said the plan was to respond to complaints on the 1950 helpline within five minutes. He also praised the efforts of the teams involved in clearing banners and posters that were against the code.
“Though the Election Commission gave us 72 hours, we cleared it out in 36 hours. 236 cases of defacement have been removed from public property and 213 cases from private property,” he said.
As for new identification cards, the CEO has targeted a total of 2,02,176 news cards to be distributed by January 18. So far 40,000 cards have been dispatched and 40,000 were printed as of Monday.
Kunal responding to Facebook live questions on EVM machines said they were designed to give only the total figure and not the pattern of voting. “Only the result is shared. Even with VVPAC, the vote is sealed. The size of voting compartment has also been increased. We’ve received complaint on polling agents seeing the vote, that is why, this time all polling stations will be under webcasting, there will be live viewing of the polling station. We are training officers so secrecy of the vote is not compromised,” he said.
