Hyderabad: The Election Commission of India deployed over 25 lakh personnel to ensure smooth and violence-free polls across five states and a Union Territory, strengthening election officials deployment.
The Commission announced the election schedule for Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal on March 15. Additionally, it scheduled bye-elections in six states.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar directed officials to act impartially. He said the aim was to ensure elections remained free from violence and inducements.
More than 17.4 crore voters are eligible to cast their votes in these elections. As a result, the deployment translates to nearly one official for every 70 electors.
Election officials deployment includes polling and security staff
The deployment includes nearly 15 lakh polling personnel and 8.5 lakh security staff. In addition, authorities assigned 40,000 counting personnel and 49,000 micro observers.
Further, around 21,000 sector officers and 15,000 micro-observers for counting have been deployed. Therefore, the Commission ensured coverage across all polling stages.
Over 2.18 lakh Booth Level Officers are available to assist voters. Meanwhile, citizens can contact them through phone or the ECINet app’s Book-a-call facility.
Voters can also use the helpline number 1950 to register complaints or seek assistance. Consequently, the Commission expanded access to grievance redressal systems.
A total of 1,111 central observers have been deployed across 832 Assembly constituencies. These include general, police and expenditure observers.
They will function as the eyes and ears of the Commission during the elections. Moreover, they will interact with candidates, political parties and the public to address concerns.
Most observers have already reached their assigned constituencies. Under Section 28A of the Representation of the People Act, all personnel are deemed on deputation to the Commission.
The election officials deployment aims to ensure free, fair and transparent elections across all phases.
