Kamal Kumar Biswas. TOD. Balurghat
With the upcoming West Bengal Assembly election drawing closer, election observers conducted a detailed inspection of preparations at Balurghat College, designated as both the Distribution-cum-Reception Centre (DCRC) and counting venue for the 39–Balurghat Assembly constituency.
General Observer Ritesh Chauhan and Police Observer Hamid Akhtar visited the site on Sunday, accompanied by senior officials from the district election administration. Their inspection focused on ensuring that logistical and security arrangements meet the standards required for a smooth and transparent electoral process.At the DCRC, the observers reviewed facilities for polling personnel, including seating arrangements and training infrastructure. Particular attention was given to the storage and distribution systems for Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units. Officials briefed the observers on the logistical framework for dispatching EVMs to various polling stations on election day, prompting further directives to streamline operations.
Security measures formed a central part of the review. The observers closely examined the Strong Room, where EVMs will be stored post-polling, assessing surveillance systems such as CCTV coverage, access control protocols, and deployment plans involving central forces and state police.Preparations for counting day were also evaluated. This included the layout of counting halls, the number and arrangement of counting tables, verification procedures for entry passes, and the establishment of security perimeters both inside and outside the venue. Measures aimed at ensuring transparency and preventing disruptions during the counting process were emphasized.
The observers underscored the importance of seamless movement for polling personnel within the DCRC, orderly handling of EVM distribution and receipt, and the need to prevent any disorder on counting day. They instructed officials to strengthen coordination across departments and to ensure that security arrangements remain robust and comprehensive.The visit reflects the administration’s ongoing efforts to uphold efficiency and integrity in the electoral process as the state moves closer to polling.
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