Officials scan north Bengal election preparation - administrative and police officials were asked to start making preparations to create additional polling booths to prevent overcrowding during voting

Additional polling booths to be created to prevent overcrowding during voting, following the Covid-19 safety protocols

In Malda, there are around 1,500 polling booths which have over 1,000 voters.: Telegraph file picture

Soumya De Sarkar   |   TT   |   Malda   |    19.12.20  :  Deputy election commissioner Sudip Jain and the chief electoral officer of Bengal, Aariz Aftab, held separate meetings with administrative officials and representatives of political parties in north Bengal on Friday.

In the morning, the duo reached Malda by a chopper. Later, they spoke to administrative and police officials of Malda, Murshidabad, North Dinajpur and South Dinajpur at a private resort to take stock of the situation.

Sources said the administrative and police officials were asked to start making preparations to create additional polling booths to prevent overcrowding during voting, keeping in mind the Covid-19 situation.

“As there would be more booths, extra polling personnel would be required. So, district officials have been asked to start preparing lists of government employees who would be deputed to booths and in different other capacities,” said a source.

The meeting commenced at around 11.15 am and ended at 2.30 pm. Those present were also told about the special arrangements made for the recent Assembly elections in Bihar.

“All such arrangements would be followed here as well. For example, booths with over 1,000 electors would be divided into smaller ones. Social distancing would be maintained among voters and adequate measures have to be made at the booths according to the health safety protocol,” said an officer who was present at the meeting.

In Malda, there are around 1,500 polling booths which have over 1,000 voters.

Jain and Aftab also asked police officers about the law and order in all the four districts. The issue of trans-border smuggling was also discussed, said sources.

From Malda, the team headed for Siliguri. In the evening, Jain and Aftab held a meeting with officials of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts. The meeting continued for around two hours at the state guest house.

“Some common instructions were also issued to us. They include preparation of error-free electoral rolls, identification of elderly voters and arrangements for them to exercise their franchise without any hassle,” an official said.