Election Commission of India observers hold a meeting with nodal officers appointed for the Ponda by-poll.
MARGAO
Election Commission observers deputed to oversee the conduct of the Ponda by-poll have directed all nodal officers to complete the assigned tasks within the stipulated time.
They have been mandated to ensure that any shortfalls are addressed immediately. Emphasis was laid on conducting the election in a free and transparent manner.
The directions were issued at a joint meeting with all nodal officers for the by-election to 21 Ponda Assembly Constituency convened by Egna Cleetus, IAS, Collector & District Election Officer, South Goa, in the presence of Pooja Parth, IAS, General Observer and Sharayu H Aadhe, IRS, Expenditure Observer.
The meeting was attended by the ADM (Law & Order), SP South, SP (Election), DYSP, officials from DRDA, Social Welfare Department, IT Department, NIC and other concerned departments.
Strict surveillance, complaint systems in place
The South Goa district election officials have put in place comprehensive measures to ensure free, fair and transparent electoral processes for Ponda by-poll.
District Electoral Officer, Egna Cleetus, IAS has said that citizens, political parties and stakeholders are being encouraged to actively participate in maintaining the integrity of the election by utilising the monitoring and complaint redressal mechanisms.
She said the Election Commission’s CVIGIL mobile application enables citizens to report any instances of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations in real-time. Complaints can be submitted with geo-tagged photos or videos, ensuring swift action by authorities. The app is available on both Android and iOS platforms. CVIGIL Number: 8149831292/8999767341.
She said the static surveillance teams have been strategically deployed across the constituency to monitor movement and check illegal transportation of cash, liquor, drugs and other inducements. These teams operate round-the-clock at key locations.
Contact Numbers (SST Control): PES College Junction: 9975442882. Top Cola Junction, Borim: 9503708155. Amigos Restaurant Junction, Curti: 9579360246.
Saying that the authorities have constituted the flying Surveillance Teams (FSTs), the Collector said the Flying Surveillance Teams are actively patrolling the constituency to respond promptly to complaints and suspicious activities. These teams ensure immediate field-level verification and enforcement of election regulations. Contact Numbers (FST Control): 8329729629/7757840551
Besides, a dedicated Election Control Room has been established to receive complaints and provide assistance to the public. Citizens may report any election-related issues or violations through the Control Room helpline: Control Room Helpline Contact Number: 8766563700.
She said the Returning Officer-21-Ponda Assembly Constituency Pandurang T. Talgaonkar can be contacted on 7887476652.
The district administration has urged all citizens to remain vigilant and report any violations through the above channels. Public cooperation is vital to ensure a level playing field and uphold democratic values.
