Officers of Namchi district receives training in preparation for the General Election 2024

Namchi, Feb 29 (IPR): The first round of a day-long training for Assistant Expenditure Observer (AEO), Flying Squads Team (FST), Static Surveillance Team (SST), Video Surveillance Team (VST), Video Viewing Team (VVT) and Accounting Team under Namchi District for General Election 2024 was conducted at the conference hall of DAC, Namchi, today.
The training was conducted in the presence of Ms Annapurna Alley, District Collector cum District Election Officer, Namchi District.
Ms Annapurna Alley during her address offered her valuable insights into election conduct, highlighting the paramount importance of ensuring free, fair, and transparent election. She encouraged trainees to attain proficiency and exercise diligence in adhering to electoral procedures, stressing the aim of preventing any complaints. The essential requisites for officials were outlined and assured for the seamless execution of the electoral process.
She urged officials to connect with Nodal Officers for any queries or issues that may arise during the course of their responsibilities.
Mr Sunil Sharma, Nodal Officer for Expenditure Monitoring, delved into pivotal aspects of election protocols. The trainees received detailed briefings on the responsibilities and tasks assigned to Assistant Expenditure Observers, Flying Squad Team, Static Surveillance Team, Video Surveillance Team, Video Viewing Team and Accounting Team.
Mr Sharma, particularly emphasised strict adherence to Election Commission of India guidelines regarding candidate expenditure limits for both Assembly and Parliamentary Constituencies.
He also elaborated on the critical areas such as strengthening security measures at polling stations, educating voters through awareness campaigns, leveraging technology for transparent voting processes, ensuring equitable access to voting facilities, and enhancing monitoring of election expenditures.
Furthermore, he outlined strategies to document and oversee any irregularities, discrepancies, or issues observed during the voting process, aiming to uphold democratic principles and ensure a seamless, equitable, and transparent electoral process.
Mr. Rajeev Rai, DIO (NIC), Nodal Officer for Cybersecurity and IT shared insights into the (Citizens’ Vigilance Initiative on Election) C-VIGIL application, a mobile platform introduced by the Election Commission of India.
C-VIGIL empowers citizens to promptly report Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations during elections with time-stamped proof, allowing the users to submit photos or videos showcasing suspicious or unlawful activities related to electoral malpractices, such as voter bribery, intimidation, or distribution of illicit goods.
C-VIGIL aims to enhance transparency and accountability in elections by encouraging active citizen participation.
Additionally, he highlighted the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) set for the 2024 general election. The ESMS plays a crucial role in efficiently handling and monitoring seized items, emphasising transparency and preventing potential misuse.
ESMS offers real-time updates on field seizures, facilitates coordination among enforcement agencies, features a centralised database for recording seizures, real-time reporting for swift intervention, inventory management tools, chain of custody tracking, integration with law enforcement for collaboration, and analytical tools to identify potential electoral malpractices.
Mr. Gopal K Chettri, SDM (HQ) Namchi, provided a detailed overview of the procedures for upholding law and order in accordance with the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
He delved into the various provisions embedded within the MCC, shedding light on its enforcement period, legal standing, and the permissions required for conducting meetings, processions, rallies, and the use of microphones (miking), among other activities.
Notably, he specified time constraints for the use of microphones, allowing it only between 6 am and 10 pm.
Mr. Chettri elaborated the necessity of adhering to guidelines throughout the electoral process. He extensively covered MCC violations, providing in-depth insights into the penal aspects and legal repercussions outlined by the Election Commission of India for individuals found in breach of the code, thereby emphasising critical importance of maintaining a stringent adherence to electoral regulations for a fair and lawful electoral process.