The Punjab Chief Electoral OfficerV.K. Singh today directed the DEOs to ensure strict discipline in and around all 30 counting locations throughout the state during counting of votes for 13 Parliamentary Constituencies for General Elections to Lok Sabha -2014.Reviewing the counting arrangements with DEOs through video conferencing, Mr. V.K.Singh pointed out that the Election Commission of India has appreciated the smooth conduct of polling in the state and he was quite confident of smooth counting and timely declaration of results. He said that any unauthorized person shouldn’t be allowed near counting locations and each member of counting staff should be issued identity card and be asked to display that. He asked them to ensure the filling up of required forms and information as directed by the ECI. He said that total counting process should be video-graphed and a copy of recording should be made available to the contesting candidates on payment basis. Similarly, round wise results should also be given to the counting agents.
The CEO asked the field police officers to remain more alert after declaration of results to check any incident of confrontation between different political groups.Arpit Shukla, IGP/Hqrs and Elections asked the field police officers to put nakas besides intensifying police patrolling in the cities during counting process. He said that all senior field police officers should themselves remain in field to keep a close watch on law & order situation.Later interacting with media, the CEO informed that 43 Central Observers have already reported in the state and under their supervision the counting process would begin at all 30 counting locations at 8.00 am. He said the latest updates about counting would be available on Punjab CEO website. He said that 24 hour dry day would start from today midnight.Mr. Raminder Singh and Mr. Supreet Singh Gulati, both Additional CEOs and Mr. Amit Talwar, Joint CEO was also present in the video-conferencing.