Paramilitary forces arrive ahead of Assembly polls

As part of the security arrangements for the upcoming Assembly elections, two companies of paramilitary forces of Seema Sashastra Bal and one company of Central Reserve Police Force has arrived in Mangaluru City.

There are altogether 300 men in the forces. The forces will be deployed in sensitive areas and will be in the city jurisdiction till counting of votes is complete.

According to police officers, the forces will take up route marches in sensitive areas to instil confidence among the voters.Ahead of elections, a meeting of the officials of both Karnataka and Kerala was held on inter-state border crime issues in the office of Commissioner of Police in Mangaluru on Wednesday. Kerala police officers, Railway police officials, intelligence officials, internal security officials and Coastal Security Police officials attended the meeting.

Demonstration

A demonstration of the use of EVM/VVPAT will be held in polling stations of Mangaluru Assembly constituency and also in public places on April 12. With the VVPATs, voters will know for whom they had voted. They can see the paper trail in the VVPAT unit which will last for seven seconds soon after a voter exercises his franchise.

Online approval

The political parties and candidates who wish to seek permission for meetings, rallies and for the public to complain about violation of model code of conduct, an online system of website applications of- 'Suvidha and Samadhan', has been introduced.

The Deputy Commissioner, who is also the District Electoral Officer, said that the 'Suvidha' app can be used by political parties for getting permission for public functions, rallies, opening temporary election offices, use of vehicles for rallies, helicopters and helipads and installing barricades. This would help political parties get permission in an easy manner.

For the public, who wish to complain about violation of model code of conduct, they can use Samadhan app. The public can lodge any complaint with regard to voters' list and identity cards through the app. If there are any photos or videos related to the complaint, they can upload the same.

The applicant receives the registration number soon after uploading the details which will help the applicant track the application.

Election Commission's website-www.ceokarnataka.kar.nic.in-has links for Suvidha and Samadhan.

Appeal to teachers

The DDPI has appealed to the teachers working in government/aided and unaided schools to be in the headquarters during the election period. The head teachers have been asked to ensure that there was no violation of model code of conduct in the form of banners and flex in the school premises. No permission should be granted for hosting any meetings in the school without seeking permission from returning officers.

If there are any lapses on the part of teachers in implementing model code of conduct, disciplinary action would be initiated against them, warned DDPI Shivaramayya.