In a crucial move to ensure a fair and transparent election process, the District Election Officer (DEO) of Samba, Rajesh Sharma, convened a meeting with representatives of all 38 petrol pumps in the district. The meeting, which was also attended by key officials from various departments, focused on the adherence to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by petrol pump owners during the ongoing election period.
The District Election Officer emphasized the necessity of maintaining an apolitical stance during the enforcement of the MCC. To this end, several directives were issued to petrol pump owners to uphold the principles of a fair and transparent election process.
Petrol pumps have been strictly prohibited from providing free fuel to vehicles associated with any political party. This measure aims to prevent any undue influence on the election process and ensure a level playing field for all parties
All petrol pumps must operate without displaying any political party posters, flags, or promotional materials on their premises. This directive reinforces the commitment to maintaining an apolitical environment during the election period.
Petrol pump owners were instructed to ensure a sufficient supply of fuel for vehicles designated for election duties, including those used by polling parties. This measure is crucial in facilitating the smooth and uninterrupted conduct of election activities.
Petrol pump owners were encouraged to actively collaborate with the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) nodal officer and the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) in voter awareness campaigns. This includes displaying voter awareness posters and playing jingles to encourage voter participation.
The ARTO was directed to set up checkpoints and conduct random checks to enforce traffic rules, including ensuring that two-wheeler riders wear helmets. Furthermore, petrol pumps were instructed not to dispense fuel to two-wheeler riders who are not wearing helmets. This directive reinforces the commitment to road safety during the election period.
These directives reflect the commitment of the District Election Office, Samba, to uphold the principles of a free and fair election process while promoting voter awareness and road safety.