Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, Gyanesh Kumar, arrived in Dharamshala on Thursday as part of his four-day visit to Kangra and Chamba districts from June 5 to June 8. During the visit, he will review various election-related activities and interact with election officials, Booth Level Officers (BLOs), BLO supervisors, and other stakeholders involved in the electoral process.
On the first day of his visit, the Chief Election Commissioner held an extensive interaction with Booth Level Officers, BLO supervisors, and election personnel at a programme organized at Hotel Hyatt, Dharmkot, near Dharamshala. The event was attended by Himachal Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Nandita Gupta, Additional Chief Electoral Officers Neeraj Chadla and Murari Lal, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Dorje Thakur, along with district and sub-divisional election officials.
Addressing the gathering, Gyanesh Kumar described BLOs and BLO supervisors as the backbone of India’s electoral system and lauded their crucial contribution in maintaining accurate, reliable, and inclusive electoral rolls. Stressing the importance of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) campaign, he directed officials to ensure outreach to every eligible citizen and focus on identifying voters whose names may not have been included in the electoral rolls for any reason.
He emphasized that every eligible citizen must be enrolled while ensuring that no ineligible entry finds a place in the voter list. “The credibility of elections begins with a clean and comprehensive electoral roll,” he observed.
During the interaction, BLOs and field officials shared challenges encountered at the grassroots level, particularly in identifying new voters, verifying migrant voters, and updating electoral records. The Chief Election Commissioner assured full support from the Election Commission of India and instructed officials to provide adequate training and institutional assistance to field staff.
Highlighting the growing role of technology in election management, he stressed the effective use of IT-enabled systems to enhance transparency, efficiency, and timely delivery of electoral services. He also called for greater public awareness and citizen participation in the voter registration process.
Expressing satisfaction over the functioning of the election machinery in Himachal Pradesh, the Chief Election Commissioner urged all officers and staff members to work with dedication and professionalism to uphold the principles of free, fair, transparent, and inclusive elections.
Later in the day, Gyanesh Kumar visited prominent landmarks in the Dharamshala-McLeodganj area, including the Namgyal Monastery, St. John’s Church, and Norbulingka Institute.
In the evening, while interacting with media persons at the HPCA Cricket Stadium, Dharamshala, the Chief Election Commissioner remarked that the voters of Himachal Pradesh are highly aware and discerning, reflecting the state’s strong democratic traditions and active electoral participation.
Loading ...
