Madurai District Implements 100% Webcasting Across All Polling Booths for Election Transparency
In a significant move to ensure electoral integrity, District Collector and District Election Officer K J Praveen Kumar announced on Monday that 100% webcasting will be implemented at all 3,079 polling booths in Madurai district on polling day. This initiative aims to provide complete transparency and monitor activities in real-time.
Enhanced Surveillance and Enforcement Measures
Addressing reporters, Praveen Kumar detailed the deployment of extensive surveillance teams. Nine flying squad teams have been formed for each of the 10 assembly constituencies, bringing the total to 90 squads. Additionally, 90 static surveillance teams are operating to check vehicles entering the district, with three teams active per constituency on a rotational basis.
Video surveillance teams and other monitoring mechanisms have been established to enforce the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) strictly. The collector emphasized that these measures are crucial for maintaining order and preventing malpractices during the election process.
Focus on Voter Participation and Cash Monitoring
Praveen Kumar highlighted efforts to improve voter turnout, noting that booths with less than 10% voter participation in the previous assembly election have been identified. Steps are being taken to encourage higher engagement in these areas.
To curb illegal cash flow, officials will seize cash exceeding Rs 10 lakh transported without valid documents and report details to the income tax department. The public is advised not to carry more than Rs 50,000 without proper receipts. Banks have been instructed to transport ATM cash with QR codes indicating bank and branch information for traceability.
Polling Booth Setup and Personnel Deployment
A total of 3,079 polling booths have been established across 10 assembly constituencies, primarily near residential areas as per Election Commission guidelines. A new booth has been set up at the Shanthi Sadhan residential complex in Madurai West constituency.
For the election, 14,764 polling personnel will be deployed, including 3,691 presiding officers. Special arrangements include "pink" polling stations managed entirely by women officials to promote gender inclusivity.
Special Voting Arrangements and Amenities
Praveen Kumar outlined various voting facilitations:
- 5,232 service voters from the armed forces will cast ballots via the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS).
- 1,159 voters aged above 85 and 891 persons with disabilities have applied for home voting, with arrangements being made accordingly.
- Steps are underway to enable voting by inmates of Madurai prison.
Polling stations will provide basic amenities such as drinking water, toilets, and facilities for depositing mobile phones. Control rooms have been set up at the collectorate and returning officers' offices in all constituencies to address queries and complaints through a toll-free number.
Digital Tools and Administrative Adjustments
The voter turnout mobile application will offer updates every two hours on election day. Candidates can use the Suvidha 2.0 app for permissions, while persons with disabilities can access the Saksham app for assistance.
During the MCC period, the weekly grievance redressal meeting at the collectorate is suspended on Mondays. A drop box has been placed inside the collectorate for public representations, ensuring continuous access to administrative services.
Madurai City Police Commissioner J Loganathan and Superintendent of Police P K Arvind were present during the announcement, underscoring the collaborative effort to secure the electoral process.
