Port Blair, Feb 25: The Director, Panchayat and Municipal Elections, A&N Islands Shri Suneel Anchipaka, IAS accompanied by Secretary (APWD) Shri Kishore Kshirsagar Lakshman, IAS, Superintendent of Police (District), Shri Ankit Chauhan, IPS, Additional District Magistrate, Shri Hari Kallikkat, IAS and Officer In-Charge (Elections), Shri Prem Singh Meena is on a visit to Little Andaman Tehsil to assess the ongoing preparatory arrangements for the ensuing Panchayat Elections.

During his visit he held meetings with the local representatives of the political parties, officials of line departments, Police and urged their cooperation in conducting the elections in a free and fair manner.

The Director, Panchayat and Municipal Elections also held meetings with the Assistant Returning Officers and further reviewed the Model Mode of Conduct (MCC) with the Police and Sector Officers.

He further requested all concerned to ensure COVID protocols as per the guidelines issued by the Election Commission for UTs in letter and spirit and reiterated that any violation in this regard shall be dealt severely. The queries related to different forms to be used during the elections were raised by the representatives of the political parties and the same was also redressed by DPME.

The Director (Panchayat and Municipal Elections) along with officials inspected the Strong Room at the ALHW recreation hall meant for storing polled materials as well as the designated Counting Centre at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Hutbay.

Later the DPME along with officials of the line departments inspected the Polling Stations of Little Andaman Tehsil and reviewed the Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs). He issued specific instructions to the concerned officials of the line departments to ensure that the AMFs such as Signage, Help Desk, Ramp, Toilets, Drinking Water, Separate Entry and Exit, Lighting, and Furniture as specified by the Election Commission and directed that all arrangements should be made ready for the smooth conduct of the polls.

The DPME during his interactions at all places urged the local populace to come forward and exercise their franchise to their elect representatives in the upcoming elections.