No tolerance to even minor lapses in polling, counting: Annamayya Collector

Annamayya District Collector Nishant Kumar addressing an election preparedness meeting in Madanapalle on Friday.

Annamayya District Collector Nishant Kumar on Friday directed officials to ensure foolproof arrangements for municipal, ZPTC and MPTC elections, cautioning that even minor lapses in polling and counting will not be tolerated.

Addressing a preparedness meeting in Madanapalle, the Collector highlighted coordination among departments and strict adherence to State Election Commission guidelines. With the municipal election process entering a crucial phase, returning officers were instructed to discharge their responsibilities with utmost vigilance.

Mr. Kumar informed the officials to complete polling staff allocation, ballot paper distribution, election material supply and staff training well ahead of polling day. Basic facilities, sanitation and medical assistance should be ensured at all polling stations. The 100-metre restricted zone around polling centres should also be clearly demarcated.

The Collector said that adequate police personnel would be deployed at every polling station. Around 10 quick response teams would monitor designated routes, while special attention would be paid to crowd management, traffic regulation, night patrolling and check-post inspections.

Nishant Kumar further reviewed arrangements for ballot box reception, strong rooms and counting centres at Madanapalle, Rayachoti and Piler. “The control room should function round the clock, with every election-related complaint addressed without delay,” he said.