Jamshedpur: District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi on Tuesday conducted a detailed inspection of the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) Warehouse located at Kitadih to review the security and operational preparedness ahead of the upcoming elections.
During the inspection, the Deputy Commissioner closely examined the arrangements for the safe maintenance and storage of EVMs and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines. He reviewed the status of security deployment, CCTV surveillance systems, and record maintenance, ensuring that all procedures were in line with the protocols laid down by the Election Commission of India.
Addressing the officials present, Satyarthi directed that all arrangements must be updated, secure, and operated in an orderly manner to maintain public trust in the electoral process. He laid special emphasis on the regular checking of security arrangements, timely reporting, and maintaining transparency in all operations related to the machines.
He further instructed that systematic documentation and logbooks be maintained meticulously to track any movement or inspection of EVM and VVPAT units. The Deputy Commissioner also interacted with the staff responsible for warehouse operations, underlining the importance of vigilance and adherence to established guidelines to avoid any discrepancies or lapses.
The inspection was conducted in the presence of Devdas Dutta, State Level Nodal Officer EVM-VVPAT-cum-Deputy Secretary, Cabinet (Election) Department, Deputy Election Officer Priyanka Singh, representatives of political parties, and other senior officials associated with election management. The presence of party representatives aimed to reinforce transparency and build confidence among stakeholders regarding the security and integrity of the machines.
Officials informed that the warehouse has been equipped with round-the-clock CCTV surveillance and a robust security system, with designated personnel tasked to monitor activities. The District Election Office has also planned periodic drills and checks to ensure readiness and compliance as per the election schedule.
The Deputy Commissioner urged all concerned departments and stakeholders to work in close coordination and remain fully prepared to uphold the credibility and fairness of the electoral process.
