Summary:
There are a total 36,000 polling booths across Odisha. It is therefore requested to furnish item-wise requirements of funds with proper justification,” read the letter from the CEO to the collectors.The CEO sought information on requirement of funds for travelling and accommodation of poll parties, repair and construction of strong rooms, procurement of election materials, and transportation of EVMs.“We have to start preparation for the general elections 2019. BHUBANESWAR: Chief electoral officer (CEO) of Odisha Surendra Kumar asked all district collectors to submit details of the likely expenditure or requirement of funds for the upcoming general elections The CEO has also sought details of the progress in construction of strong rooms and other infrastructure required for the elections.“The simultaneous general election 2019 is likely to be conducted in the last part of this financial year or in the first part of the next financial year. These are routine process and the state government machinery has to be ready for an early election,” said Kumar.He also informed the district collectors about the use of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines, which will be attached to an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) in the 2019 general elections for the first time. The expenditure also includes videography and documentation of the whole process, vehicle and booth arrangement, remuneration of officials to be engaged in the process, installation and call charges of telephones, fax, internet facilities and other amenities at the polling stations.“All the expenses in the elections will be provided by the Central government,” Kumar added.Sources said, during the 2014 general elections, a whopping Rs 110 crore was spent in the state..