Jajpur: Even as only a few months are left for the general elections, a majority of polling booths in Jajpur district lacks minimum facilities, according to a report.
This has come at a time when the state chief electoral officer has directed all the district administrations to ensure free and fair polls and basic facilities at all the polling stations (booths).
Sources at the State Election Commission said 1,619 booths in seven Assembly segments of Jajpur district do not have Internet facilities. This apart, 60 booths do not have ramps for differently-abled persons while 721 lack power connections. Similarly, 26 booths lack drinking water facilities while 95 do not have toilets.
Chief Electoral Officer Surendra Kumar, expressing concern over the status of the booths, has called for assured minimum facilities (AMF) at the polling booths as per the guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI). However, observers fear that these problems may not be resolved before the elections. A look at the facilities available at the seven Assembly segments will reveal the ground reality.
None of the 239 booths in Binjharpur Assembly segment have Internet facilities while there are no ramps in 12 booths, power connections in 84, drinking water facilities in three and toilets in five booths.
None of the 224 booths in Bari Assembly segment have Net facilities while there are no ramps in five booths, power connections in 114, drinking water facilities in two and toilets in 12 booths.
All the 206 booths under Barchana Assembly segment lack Internet facilities while 48 booths do not have ramps, power connections in 48, drinking water facilities in eight and toilets in 23 booths.
Not a single booth has Internet facility in Dharmasala Assembly segment comprising 258 booths. As many as 11 booths in this segment do not have ramps while there is no power connection in 185 booths, drinking water facilities in 12 and toilets in 29 booths.
All the 257 booths in Jajpur Assembly segment lack Internet facilities while there are no ramps in 22 booths, power connections in 72 and toilets in 18 booths. This has happened despite the fact that its current MLA had been power minister for three years.
All the 212 booths in Korei Assembly segment lack Internet facilities while two booths do not have ramps, power connection in 71 and drinking water and toilet facilities in one booth.
All the 223 booths in Sukinda Assembly segment lack Internet facilities, while there is no power connection in 147 and toilet in seven booths. The state government has decided to provide wheelchair for all the voters with disabilities for which the Principal Secretary Niten Chandra of State Social Security Department has sought details on such voters from the district administration.
The problems have remained unresolved despite the District Collector holding marathon meetings with the district officials and the Election Commission forming eight teams for the successful management of the elections.
These are: observer on poll expenses, accounting team, static surveillance team, video views team, video surveillance team, flying squad, team to supervise violation of model code of conduct and media certification monitoring team.
Various sub-committees will function under these teams. The use of technology will be highest in this election. Training programmes are being organised for the officials participating in this election and action is being taken against errant officials.
When contacted, Kajal Pradhan, Deputy Collector in charge of elections, said attempts are being made to provide ramp, Wi-Fi facilities, toilet, drinking water and power connections at all the booths in the district by February end.
PNN
