The first randomization of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) machines was today conducted in the presence of the officers of the district administration and representatives of the political parties here at the District Administrative Complex.During the randomization Deputy Commissioner cum District Election Officer Mr. Varinder Kumar Sharma and other officers besides the representatives of the political parties were also present. The randomization of 2145 Controlling Units, 2145 Ballot Units and 2238 VVPATs was done in front of these officers. These EVMs and VVPATs would be installed at 1863 polling booths during the by-poll. A sizeable reserve of EVMs and VVPAT machines would be kept at the disposal of the officers during the by-poll so that they could be replaced whenever any snag occurs in the machines on polling day. Similarly some machines would also be kept for imparting training to the poll staff.
Meanwhile, interacting with the representatives of the political parties the Deputy Commissioner assured them that the district administration was duty-bound to ensure smooth and hassle free polling process in Jalandhar. He apprised the political parties that elaborate arrangement have been put at place in Jalandhar by the administration for this purpose. Mr. Sharma said that no stone would be left unturned for ensuring that free and fair election process was completed in the district.Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Sub Divisional Magistrates Mr. Paramvir Singh, Mr. Amit Kumar Panchal, Ms. Charumita, Mr. Rajesh Sharma and Mr. Sanjiv Sharma, Secretary Regional Transport Authority Dr. Nayan Jassal, District Information Officer Mr. AS Kalsi and others.