Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : In view of the forthcoming polls in Himachal Pradesh on November 9, 2017, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on November 3 held a Video Conference (VC) with full Commission comprising A K. Joti, CEC, O P Rawat, Election Commissioner, and Sunil Arora,Election Commissioner, to review the preparations for conduct of polls in that state in a free, fair and peaceful way. The VC was attended by the Chief Secretaries, DGPs and Chief Electoral Officers along with other senior officials related to Excise, Commercial Tax of Himachal Pradesh and its neighbouring States i.e. Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Haryana.
During the Video Conference, the Commission discussed wide-ranging subjects from joint checking at boarders, checking the movement of liquor, cash, arms and Anti-Social Elements/ criminals at the check posts, sharing of intelligence between the States, effective communication, declaration of dry day and other pre-poll and poll day arrangements in Himachal Pradesh and neighbouring States.
The Commission directed the officials to enhance the surveillance on possible inter-state movement of free goodies intended for distribution to induce electors and to prevent the storage of such items in bordering areas. The Commission also directed to implement sealing of the inter-state border on poll day to prevent any undue influence on polling from outside. It reviewed the Income Tax (IT) seizures and preparedness of Himachal Pradesh and neighbouring states. It also directed to hold Inter-State Co-ordination meetings of border districts for better co-ordination and effective implementation of the Commission’s directions, according to a PIB release.
The Commission directed the Chief Secretaries of the neighbouring States to declare paid holidays on November 9 and December 18 for those electors of Himachal Pradesh who work in adjoining areas of the neighbouring states. It also directed that the CAPF be used for Confidence Building Measures and to re-assure the voters and instil faith and confidence among them. It also emphasised on setting up of inter-state ‘Nakas’ and proper surveillance at the adjoining areas of bordering states of Himachal Pradesh to prevent any illegal transport of arms, drugs, liquors on poll day and pre-poll days.