Nuapada: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Odisha, Shri R S Gopalan, undertook an inspection visit to Nuapada district to review the preparedness for the upcoming by-elections. The focus of his visit centered on the integrity and security of the voting process, particularly the storage and handling of election equipment.
Shri Gopalan visited the EVM (Electronic Voting Machine) and VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) warehouse located on the Nuapada District Collector’s office premises. He subsequently proceeded to inspect the EVM and VVPAT strong room situated at the National College. The CEO conducted a thorough check of the current situation, structure, and security arrangements in place at both locations.
Following the review of critical infrastructure, he toured several booths across the Nuapada constituency to supervise the provision of basic amenities intended for the convenience of voters.
District Magistrate Shri Madhusudan Dash briefed the CEO on the detailed preparations by the District Administration. Also present during the visit were Additional CEO and Special Secretary Shri Susanta Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary Shri Pramod Kumar Sahu, ADM Shri Subash Chandra Raut, and Sub Collector Surmi Soren.
In his briefing to the officials, Shri Gopalan stressed the importance of strictly implementing the Election Commission of India’s guidelines and rules for election management. He advised the district officials, led by the District Collector and District Election Officer, to ensure all election activities are handled smoothly, aiming for an execution that earns appreciation from both the voters and the Election Commission.