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Ranchi, September 24, 2024: The full commission of the Election Commission reviewed the poll preparedness for the election to the 81 member Jharkhand Assembly.
The CEC Rajiv Kumar along with ECs Gyanesh Kumar and S Sandhu held a detailed and comprehensive review of the poll preparedness for the forthcoming Assembly Elections in Jharkhand at Ranchi.
The term of State Assembly in Jharkhand is due to expire on January 5, 2025 and elections are scheduled for 81 assembly constituencies, out of which 44 are general, 28 reserved for ST and 09 for SC.
During the two-day review visit of the Commission yesterday and today, representatives of national and state political parties namely Aam Aadmi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian National Congress, National People’s Party, AJSU Party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Rashtriya Janta Dal came to meet the Commission. All political parties conveyed their appreciation for successful and peaceful conduct of Lok Sabha Elections 2024.
During the meeting political parties have urged the Commission for consideration of various festivities like Diwali, Chhath, Durga Pooja and state foundation day in the month of October and November, before deciding on the election schedule for enhanced participation in election process.
It was also informed that many voters in the state will be travelling during Chatth pooja.
It was also requested by many parties for a single-phase election.
During the review meeting with nearly 20 central and state Enforcement agencies like DRI, NCB, State & Central GST, RPF, RBI, State Police, Income Tax, Enforcement Directorate, etc., the Commission underscored its focus for an inducement-free elections.
Without mincing words, the Commission conveyed its zero tolerance towards use of money power in the elections.
However, CEC Rajiv Kumar also cautioned the officials to avoid any undue harassments to the public in the name of checking during elections.
Jharkhand shares a long border with 5 states namely Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh.
During its two-day review, the Commission also held meeting with the Chief Secretary & Director General of Police to review the overall poll preparedness and law and order matters.
On the second day, detailed review with DEOs/SPs/Divisional Commissioner’s/IGs was held on every aspect of election planning and conduct.
CEO Jharkhand informed with continuous updation of the electoral roll and as on 20.09.2024, a total of 2.59 crore electors are registered in the state with approx. 1.31 crore male, 1.28 crore female electors.
Over 11.05 lakh first time voters (18-19 years); 1.14 lakh 85+ senior citizens and 3.64 lakh PwD voters are registered in the state. More than 1845 voters are 100+ years old. There is 100% enrolment (1.78 lakhs) of the 8 PVTGs in the electoral roll. With focus on inclusive and participative elections, all DEOs were directed to enhance participation of PVTGs and tribal groups in the elections. The state Electoral gender ratio is 978.
In Jharkhand a total of 29,562 polling stations will be set up on 20,276 locations in assembly elections. While 24,520 of these will be in rural areas, 5,042 will be urban polling stations with an average of 872 voters per polling station.
For the first time in State Assembly Elections in Jharkhand, Senior Citizens over 85+ years and PwDs with 40% benchmark disability will be provided an option to vote from the comfort of their homes. Home Voting facility is optional. If an elector is willing to visit the polling station physically to cast their vote, necessary assistance will be provided at the polling station. Application form 12D is distributed and collected by BLO within 5 days of the notification, from such electors who opt for this facility and deposit it with the Returning Officer. The complete process is videographed and representatives of political parties/candidates are always involved in the entire process of voting from home, Election Commission sources said.
