Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh: District Collector Swapnil Dinakar Pundkar and District SP K.V. Maheswara Reddy, IPS, reviewed preparations for the upcoming local body elections and directed officials to work in close coordination to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral process.
At a review meeting held at the Zilla Parishad conference hall, the Collector instructed officials to make systematic arrangements in accordance with Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission guidelines. The meeting was attended by the Joint Collector, municipal commissioners, MPDOs and police officials.
The Collector directed officials to prepare for elections to municipal ward councillors and chairpersons, MPTC and ZPTC members, while ensuring secure arrangements for ballot boxes, including strong rooms with robust double-lock systems and properly equipped counting centres.
He also emphasized proper planning for ballot-paper printing and pre-poll arrangements, and instructed officials to attend the State Election Officer’s meeting with complete information.
SP K.V. Maheswara Reddy stated that a comprehensive security plan had been prepared to maintain law and order during the elections. Sensitive and hyper-sensitive areas will be identified in advance, with additional police forces deployed wherever required.
The SP directed officials to focus on bind-over cases and enforce election-related regulations even before the notification is issued. He also informed that seven inter-state border check-posts had already been identified, with steps underway to establish additional check-posts.
The Collector and SP stressed coordinated efforts among the Police, Revenue and Panchayat departments to ensure peaceful elections.
Joint Collector Farman Ahmed Khan directed officials to conduct ground-level inspections of polling and counting centres, including checks on compound walls, electricity and internet facilities. MPDOs and police officials were instructed to jointly inspect polling stations and resolve deficiencies in advance.
Officials were also directed to select polling and counting personnel according to voter strength and provide appropriate training through master trainers.
The meeting reflected the district administration and police department’s commitment to well-planned election management, strengthened security and peaceful conduct of local body elections.
