Yasha Mudgal, Commissioner Secretary of Cooperative and the designated Observer for Electoral Rolls for Doda, conducted a comprehensive review of the progress of the Special Summary Revision of Photo Electoral Rolls in the district. The review included interactions with District Election Officer Harvinder Singh (DC), Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), Assistant EROs (AEROs), Booth Level Officers (BLOs), and other stakeholders.
During the meeting, a Preamble Reading Ceremony was conducted to mark Constitution Day, administered by Commissioner Secretary Yasha Mudgal. The Election Commission of India (ECI) recently initiated the revision of electoral rolls with a focus on ensuring accuracy and inclusivity, particularly for newly eligible voters turning 18 on January 1, 2024.
Yasha Mudgal embarked on an extensive tour of polling stations in Doda to oversee the ongoing Special Summary Revision. The visit included inspections of the Election Office, Control Room, and Strong Room to ensure the secure storage of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and related machinery.
In discussions with political party representatives, the Commissioner Secretary urged them to appoint and activate Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to assist Electoral Officials in updating and preparing error-free Photo Electoral Rolls for each polling station. During meetings with EROs, AEROs, and BLOs, Yasha Mudgal emphasized the importance of including every eligible voter in the Electoral Roll while addressing duplications and discrepancies. She urged the officials to set targets based on scientific calculations using demographic data to register new and eligible voters, including Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
Doda comprises three Assembly Constituencies: 51- Bhaderwah, 52- Doda, and 53-Doda West, with 529 polling stations, 22 zones, and 109 sectors. The district has a current registered voter count of 302,227. The Commissioner Secretary acknowledged that 100% of voters have been issued EPICs, and discrepancies in Electoral Rolls have been rectified.
Inspecting various polling stations, Yasha Mudgal assessed the availability of Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs) for voters, including locations such as Government Higher Secondary School (Boys) Doda, Sheep Husbandry Office Doda, and Government Higher Secondary School Girls (Doda), among others. The DEO assured the Observer that deficiencies noticed during the review would be rectified by December 3, 2023.
The Commissioner Secretary suggested arranging a workshop for BLAs and BLOs to enhance their coordination, emphasizing their instrumental role in bridging the gap between electoral machinery and political parties to ensure the preparation of an error-free Photo Electoral Roll.