Jammu, Aug 10: Chief secretary Jammu and Kashmir I S Malhi today underscored the need for observing total neutrality, transparency and accountability during the coming state assembly elections.
Voters should have free access to polling booths to exercise their right of franchise and in no case should they be compelled to do so, he told a high-level officers meeting today to assess the preparations for the polls.
He also stressed the need for acquainting people with the Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) and launching an awareness campaign on its effectiveness and use.

Malhi expressed his satisfaction over the all round preparedness for the elections.

State Chief Electoral Officer Pramod Jain disclosed that there are as many as 7,025 polling stations in the state and additional stations, if required, would also be set up in different districts.
He emphasised the need for preparing the maximum number of photo identity cards.

Jain also stressed on the need for observing a model code of conduct and the setting up of election control rooms in different districts.


The election observer of Jammu district said about 80 per cent people have sought the issue of photo identity cards.
He said 135 new polling stations are proposed to be set up in the district.

Bureau Report