Commissioner flags off chariot for PwD voter awareness

Our Correspondent

Hoshiarpur, March 22

Divisional Commissioner, Jalandhar, B Purushartha today reviewed the functioning of various committees formed by the District Election Officer (DEO) Isha Kalia with regard to electoral process for General Elections.

He flagged off a charioat for awareness of PwD (persons with disbility) voters. He inspected and reviewed the functioning of Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) and directed the officials to keep a vigilant eye on the suspicious paid news. Purushartha also inspected the SDM office and the Tehsil Complex.

Flagging off the chariot, he said: “SMS voters are important for democracy and this chariot is an important step to make them aware of their voting right.”

He said all required facilities would be provided, including facilitated access and wheelchairs etc to PWD voters to ensure their per cent participation.

Reviewing the MCMC, directed the committee members that as per the instructions of the Election Commission, it should be ensured that the print media, electronic media and social media should be monitored for 24 hours, so that appropriate action could be taken regarding paid news and unauthorised advertisement.

He said: “Pre-certification is necessary for the candidates to telecast advertisements on electronic media and in print media too”.

Deputy Commissioner Isha Kalia said pre-certifiction could be applied from the district level MCMC three days before the telecast of advertisements. The certification will be issued within 48 hours”. She said the candidate must also get pre-certification for advertisements on radio and cinema halls in addition to bulk SMS or voice messages.

She said to get permission for telecast of advertisement, the room number 312, on the third floor at District Administrative Complex could be contacted.

District Electoral Officer informed that social media was also being strictly monitored by the district-level MCMC.