District Panchayat Election Officer (DPEO) Kupwara, Anshul Garg, today finalized arrangements for counting of District Development Council (DDC) election votes being held on December 22.The DPEO discussed threadbare various arrangements including preparation of Counting halls, security arrangements, appointment of Magistrates, training of staff, adherence of Covid-19 SOPs and availability of Covid material, Traffic management besides, proper heating/lighting and availability of drinking water facilities.He urged the concerned officers for an impartial and transparent counting process while taking in confidence all party agents and added that the counting shall start from 9 am at 04 Counting Centres viz. ITI Kupwara, JNV Potushai, ITI Handwara and Mini Secretariat Tangdar.Garg said that Nodal Officers have already been appointed for providing logistic support to respective ROs to ensure smooth counting.
He said that transport and refreshment facilities shall be provided to the officials involved in the counting process.The DPEO directed for counting of postal ballots and migrant votes and also instructed the concerned ROs that opening of Strong Rooms shall be video-graphed.Earlier, Master Trainer, G. M. Dar apprised the concerned officers about the procedure and necessary technical knowhow for smooth conduct of the counting.ADC Handwara, Nazir Ahmad Mir, Deputy District Panchayat Election Officer, Bashir Ahmad Bhat, Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, Counting Supervisors, Master Trainers and other concerned were present in the meeting.Meanwhile, at Karnah Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Karnah, Dr. Bilal Mohiddin Bhat, who is also the Returning Officer for DDC Constituency Karnah today finalized the arrangements for smooth and fair conduct of Counting of DDC polls on December 22.The meeting discussed threadbare various arrangements regarding the smooth and transparent counting process to be held at Mini Secretariat Tangdar.