Jamshedpur: Observers order uninterrupted CCTV surveillance of strong room

Jamshedpur: General Observer Rakhi Vishwas, Police Observer Gajrao Bhupal, and District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi have directed uninterrupted CCTV surveillance and 24-hour security of the strong room set up for the 45-Ghatshila (ST) Assembly by-election. The team conducted a detailed inspection of the dispatch center, counting center, and strong room located at Co-operative College, Jamshedpur, on Wednesday to review preparations for the upcoming polls.

During the inspection, the observers reviewed in detail the arrangements made at the counting and dispatch centers to ensure that the election process is conducted in a transparent, secure, and systematic manner. They examined the three-tier security system of the strong room, the CCTV monitoring system, power backup facilities, fire extinguishers, entry control mechanisms, and the list of authorized personnel permitted to access restricted zones.

The observers also interacted with election and security officials present at the site and issued several important directives to further strengthen preparedness. They emphasized that once the strong room becomes operational, round-the-clock vigilance must be maintained and any kind of negligence in security should not be tolerated. They instructed officials to ensure uninterrupted CCTV surveillance and to verify that the monitoring systems are fully functional throughout the polling and counting period.

Reviewing the arrangements for counting day, the observers directed that all counting tables should be organized in accordance with the Election Commission’s guidelines, ensuring adequate spacing, proper labeling, and sufficient lighting. They also asked that arrangements be made for the safe storage of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs), with clear demarcations between storage and counting zones.

The observers further emphasized the importance of comprehensive training for counting personnel, stressing that each staff member should be well acquainted with the counting procedure, result compilation, and the handling of EVMs to avoid any procedural lapses on counting day.

District Election Officer  Karn  Satyarthi informed the observers that the district administration is fully prepared to ensure the successful and peaceful conduct of the by-election. He said that special focus has been laid on maintaining transparency, efficiency, and fairness at every stage of the election process.

“The Election Commission’s instructions are being implemented in letter and spirit. From dispatch to counting, all procedures are being closely monitored. A foolproof security plan is in place to safeguard EVMs, and proper arrangements have been made for the movement of polling materials and personnel,” he said.

The District Election Officer also briefed the observers about the communication control room, emergency response system, and deployment plan for polling and counting staff. He added that coordination meetings are being held regularly with representatives of political parties to ensure mutual understanding and confidence in the election process.

Meanwhile, police officials briefed the observers on security deployment and patrolling plans around the strong room and counting venue. They informed that adequate numbers of district police, Jharkhand Armed Police, and paramilitary forces have been deployed to maintain law and order.