District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner Patiala, Sandeep Hans today assured that all arrangements for free, fair and transparent counting of votes on March 10, 2022, have been completed at all 6 counting centers in district Patiala. He said that the counting would start at 8 am at all 6 counting centers.It is pertinent to mention that for Patiala constituency, the Strong room have been set up at Govt Mohindra College, for Patiala Rural at Thapar University, for Nabha at ITI Boys Patiala, For Rajpura and Ghanour at Gymnasium Hall, Punjabi University, for Samana and Shutrana at Indore Gymnasium Hall, Polo Ground and for Sanour the strong room has been set up at Polytechnic College for girls, Patiala. DC Sandeep Hans visited strong rooms and issued necessary instructions to the concern staff.He said that to ensure tight security of the polled Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in all 8 assembly segments of Patiala district, thousands of security personnel from Central Para Military Force (CAPF), Punjab Armed Police and state Police have been deployed by the district administration for the security cover as per the directions of ECI.
DC said that ROs and AROs supervising strong rooms twice in day.He said that inner perimeter of the strong rooms is being guarded by the Central Para Military Force, second perimeter by the Punjab Armed Police and outer security cover to strong rooms in each assembly segment is being provided by Punjab Police.DC urged all political parties/candidates to ensure that their counting agents get their identity cards made through their concerned Returning Officer (RO). He said that the counting agents should reach the counting center at least 1 hour before the start of counting. He informed that in the counting room, a total of 14 counting tables (7 on each side) would be set up for smooth counting.He said that fool proof security arrangements have been made by the district administration at these centers to ensure the counting for the elections would be held in a smooth and hassle free manner. He added said that CCTV cameras have been installed for e-surveillance of these strong rooms round the clock.Mr. Sandeep Hans also interacted with representatives of various political parties outside the strong rooms, who expressed satisfaction over the arrangements.