‘ASHA workers to be deployed at booths during by-polls in Odisha’

Bhubaneswar: Around 800 ASHA workers and equal number of volunteers will be engaged at polling booths during the Balasore Sadar and Tirtol by-polls scheduled to be held on November 3 to ensure Covid compliance. This was informed by Sushil Kumar Lohani, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Odisha today.

Lohani further said the ASHA workers will be deployed in all the booths to look after Covid related measures under supervision of Health Sector Officers. The District Health Nodal officer will be in-charge of the overall supervision of Covid compliance. Also, special arrangements will be made to ensure proper disposal of Covid materials.

A total of 52 numbers of violations of model code of conduct were reported by the political parties and candidates, mostly related to non-compliance to Covid-19 guidelines and conducting meetings without prior permission, the CEO informed, adding that around 11,205 litres of liquor in bulk seized during the period.

As per guidelines, the campaign period ends 48hs prior to the closure of poll. Accordingly, the ban on the campaign was enforced from 6PM today.

Lohani said the District Magistrates and SPs have been instructed to ensure that no political functionary or outsiders who are not voters of the constituency should remain present in the constituency. Special squads will carry out checks at lodges, guest houses, kalyan mandaps and community halls.

Besides, strict enforcement of Section 126 of R.P.Act-1951 will be in place which prohibits convening of any public meeting, procession or public addressing during this period, he added.