Election preparedness - DM Nadia's review of blocks

I visited BDO offices under Sadar Subdivision in last few days and had review of election preparedness with sector officers, election staffs and BDO/ Jt BDO. Some of the observations for follow up at all blocks :-

1. Sector Officers in most of the cases are new and not yet fully settled. They may not be aware about general circulars issued from DM & DEO regarding sectors, vulnerability, polling station verification, EPIC distribution, communication plan and MCC. Copies of relevant circulars and briefing to them should be done immediately. BDOs must pay personal attention on this issue.
2. Polling station verification report has been completed and sent to us from most of the blocks. It is possible that the report prepared by outgoing sector officers is incomplete or not up to date. It should be re verified and actions to solve the problem of tube well, toilets, separate entry/exit, approach road, ramps and petty repairs must be initiated without further loss of time so as to complete this prior to booth visit by observers from 18th April 2009. While drinking water tube wells sinking/ re sinking at booths to be done by PHE as per the requisition to be sent to Executive Engineer Nadia Division from the end of SDOs & AROs, toilets can be installed by BDOs with the help of sanitary mart. Fund for sanitation is being placed from District Sanitation cell. List of polling stations without ramps can be sent to CLRCs with copy to DPO SSM. DPO SSM is issuing orders to CLRCs to construct ramps as per direction out of funds placed to them for the purpose. Works at booths like separate entry/ exit, doors, window repairs etc can be taken up by BDOs out of conduct of election fund but with prior approval of estimates of each booth by SDOs. Total funds for the purpose per AC may not exceed rupees one lakh for all works taken together. Some of the amount can be availed from the maintenance grants to schools. Any works which needs larger amount should be avoided. We are not in favour of sanction of new NREGA scheme for polling station purpose or use of grants to Local Bodies for these purposes.
3. EPIC distribution should gear up, and also the sample checking of distribution.
4. SDOs may plan for marking of electoral rolls as soon as printed rolls are supplied. Experienced Staff from BDO office may be associated well in advance.
5. MCC teams at block must be properly explained instructions as in some cases confusion regarding videography, defacement of public property has cropped. Whatever direction RO has issued/ explained in the meeting in first week of April 2009 must be adhered to. Any deviation from the direction of DM & DEO, RO should not be resorted. Videography may be restricted to events as noted in ECI circular. Not all meetings are required to be covered by videography team except Star Campaigners, Public Meetings by ministers and violations of MCC.
6. BDOs must hold daily review meetings with his election team, involve all officers and staff, in a team spirit. Copies of circulars must be shared in these meetings.
7. SDOs must hold Sub-divisional level all party meetings at least once a week on conduct of election, MCC and seek their cooperation.