Jamshedpur: District Election Officer Karn Satyarthi instructed the Expenditure Observer Cell to inform candidates of scheduled dates well in advance and maintain strict vigilance over election spending. He further directed the Materials Cell to assess requirements early, prioritize local sourcing, and physically verify all polling and counting venues to prevent last-minute lapses.
These directions were issued during a comprehensive review meeting of preparations for the Municipal (General) Elections 2026, held at the Collectorate Auditorium under the chairmanship of District Election Officer (Municipality) and Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi. The meeting reviewed the functioning and preparedness of all cells constituted for the conduct of the municipal elections.
The meeting was attended by Expenditure Observer for Mango Municipal Corporation, Swaminathan, General Observer Jitendra Kumar Dev, General Observer for Jugsalai Municipal Council constituency Rajesh Kumar Sah, Deputy Development Commissioner Nagendra Paswan, Director NEP Santosh Garg, ADM SOR Rahul G. Anand, along with senior and in-charge officers of all election-related cells.
During the review, the Election Cell was instructed to conduct polling and counting strictly in accordance with the guidelines of the Election Commission and under the close supervision of the appointed observers. The Personnel Cell was directed to ensure timely uploading of election personnel details on the portal and complete randomisation before deployment. Instructions were also issued to constitute a medical board to process applications seeking exemption from election duty.
The Transport Cell was directed to ensure adequate availability of small and large vehicles through the VMS portal as per election requirements. The District Election Officer also ordered the deposit of licensed weapons by candidates and residents, activation of a single-window system for granting permissions related to election campaigning, and deployment of flying squads to enhance surveillance and take swift action against violations of the Model Code of Conduct.
Special emphasis was laid on improving basic facilities at polling stations, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply, and making proper food arrangements for polling personnel through mothers’ committees on polling day. The administration also directed that voter slips be distributed door-to-door at least 12 days prior to polling to ensure maximum voter awareness and participation.
Addressing the officials, the District Election Officer made it clear that there is no room for negligence in election-related work. He stressed that all departments must discharge their responsibilities with complete diligence, teamwork, and mutual coordination, strictly adhering to the guidelines of the Election Commission to ensure free, fair, and smooth municipal elections in the district.
