Uttarkashi, May 24 (IANS) Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar arrived at the Kharsali helipad in the Uttarkashi district on Sunday, where administrative officials accorded him a warm welcome.

Tight security and administrative arrangements have been put in place in the Kharsali region for the CEC’s visit. Officials and staff members remained present within the helipad premises since early morning, and all arrangements were subjected to meticulous inspection.

Upon the Chief Election Commissioner’s arrival in Kharsali, he was welcomed by Uttarakhand Chief Electoral Officer B.V.R.C. Purushottam, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Vijay Kumar Jogdande, District Magistrate Prashant Arya, and Superintendent of Police Kamlesh Upadhyay.

During this interaction, administrative officials also briefed him regarding the travel logistics and security arrangements in place.

It was reported that shortly after arriving in Kharsali, the Chief Election Commissioner departed for Shri Yamunotri Dham to offer his prayers. The administration appeared fully vigilant regarding his visit, and all necessary arrangements were duly ensured along the travel routes.

Officials from both the police and the administration had already taken charge of the security arrangements well in advance.

Administrative officials stated that personnel from various departments have been deployed to ensure the smooth functioning of all arrangements throughout the course of the journey.

CEC Kumar arrived in Uttarkashi on Saturday to review polling booths and assess the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) activities in the border district of Uttarakhand.

During the visit, the CEC inspected a polling booth in Harsil and held a detailed interaction with the Booth Level Officer (BLO). He sought information regarding the mapping of SIR data and various aspects related to the revision of electoral rolls. He appreciated BLO Mintu Devi for her dedicated work and comprehensive understanding of the SIR process.

Following the inspection, CEC Kumar departed for Gangotri Dham.

Upon his arrival at the Jhala helipad, located in the border area, the CEC was welcomed by administrative officials.

Officials said the visit is being viewed as an important initiative towards strengthening the democratic framework in remote and border areas.

During this visit, a detailed review will be conducted regarding the facilities available at polling stations, communication systems, accessibility for polling personnel, security arrangements, and the challenges associated with conducting elections in remote areas.

It is reported that, as part of the SIR drive, the CEC will also seek feedback from officials regarding the addition of new voters’ names to the electoral rolls, the removal of names of deceased or relocated voters, and measures to make the electoral process more transparent and error-free.

–IANS

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