Nuapada, Oct 17: To review the local administrative preparedness, law and order situation, and other related aspects for the ensuing by-election to Nuapada assembly constituency, Odisha Chief Electoral Officer R. S. Gopalan, along with Additional DGP and State Police Nodal Officer Sanjay Kumar and senior officers from the Election Commission of India, visited Nuapada today.

A review meeting was held in the conference hall of the collector’s office under the chairmanship of CEO Gopalan. The CEO and senior officers of the Election Commission emphasized the importance of close coordination between the civil and police administration to ensure a free, fair and peaceful by-election.

They also laid stress on the effective functioning of the 24x7 control room/help desk for immediate redressal of complaints, including those received through the C-Vigil app.

The CCEO expressed that serving in a by-election is always a great opportunity. All officers, staff and police personnel engaged in this by-election should discharge their assigned responsibilities with absolute impartiality, integrity and dedication, thereby strengthening democracy and furthering the reputation of the Election Commission.

He instructed officials to keep a strict vigil on any attempts to lure voters through distribution of cash, liquor, sarees or other inducements during the election period.

Collector and District Election Officer Madhusudan Dash presented a detailed report on the administrative arrangements for the forthcoming by-election, while SP Amrit Pal Singh made a presentation outlining all law and order measures taken in the district.

The CEO and the central officials reviewed the detailed preparations and advised both the Collector and the SP to ensure that the by-election is conducted in a flawless manner, setting an exemplary benchmark.

It was also noted that no transfer of officials in the district will be permitted during this period.

Among those present in the review meeting were S. B. Joshi, Principal Secretary, Election Commission of India, Kunwar Vishal Singh, DIG, Sujit Kumar Mishra, Secretary, ECI, Sushanta Kumar Mishra, Additional CEO cum Special Secretary, Pramod Kumar Sahu, Additional Secretary, the Collector, SP, senior administrative officers, and other district-level officers.

Later, the CEO and other senior officials, accompanied by the Collector, visited the training centre for Presiding Officers and First Polling Officers and interacted with them.

In the afternoon, CEO Gopalan convened a meeting with the heads of various committees associated with the conduct of the by-election.

He reviewed the preparations undertaken by each committee and advised them to discharge their assigned responsibilities with utmost diligence and precision.

He also directed the district administration to ensure uninterrupted power supply, proper sanitation facilities, safe drinking water, ramps, and all other basic amenities at every polling booth.