CEO Directs Special Measures for Polling Staff Welfare Amid Heat Wave During Polls in Punjab

CEO Directs Special Measures for Polling Staff Welfare Amid Heat Wave During Polls in Punjab

In preparation for the scorching summer temperatures expected during the Lok Sabha elections 2024 in Punjab on June 1st, Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C has directed all Deputy Commissioners-cum-District Election Officers to ensure special measures for the welfare of polling staff. The CEO emphasized the importance of providing shade, drinking water, waiting areas, and good quality toilets for the staff. Additionally, timely distribution of honorarium to polling staff was highlighted as crucial.

Ensuring Staff Welfare and Compliance with ECI Guidelines

CEO Sibin C reiterated the need for Deputy Commissioners to adhere to Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines and ensure various arrangements for the welfare and convenience of polling staff during the electoral process. With the polling scheduled during the peak of the summer season, measures to mitigate heat stroke through adequate provisions at training venues, dispersal centers, polling stations, and collection centers were emphasized.

Comprehensive Arrangements for Polling Staff

The advisory included directives for the provision of shade, drinking water, waiting areas, and quality toilets for both men and women at various locations involved in the electoral process. Moreover, the deployment of adequate medicines, para-medical staff, systematic arrangements at venues, counters, staff, signage, coolers, refreshments, and transport facilities were highlighted to ensure the well-being of the polling staff.

Timely Distribution of Honorarium and Emergency Support

Instructions were given for the timely distribution of honorarium to polling staff, micro observers, and security personnel, along with provisions for immediate medical treatment and ex-gratia in case of accidents. Exempted categories of staff, deployment of women staff as per ECI guidelines, and considerations for cases involving vulnerable individuals left alone at home were also addressed in the directives.

Facilitating Voting Rights of Election Staff

To enable election staff to exercise their right to vote, the CEO stressed the importance of providing Election Duty Certificates (EDC) and Postal Ballots (PB) promptly. Voter facilitation centers were highlighted as essential to ensure that election staff can exercise their democratic rights in a timely manner.