Bhubaneswar: With few months left for general election to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), preparations have begun in the state in full swing for smooth conduct of the polls.

State Election Commissioner Aditya Prasad Padhee today said a review meeting was held with all district Collectors through video conference yesterday.

Briefing mediapersons, he said Collectors have been asked to submit a report by October 26 after completing of delimitation of wards and reservation of seats in their respective districts.

This time, central counting will be conducted at block offices in stead of booth-level. Strong Room will be set up at booth level. And if required, the number ballot boxes will be increased.

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An electoral roll will be prepared at Ward and Panchayat level on the basis of 2021 voters' list. Guidelines for the same will be issued soon, the bureaucrat added.

"The Collector have  been directed to identify and keep vote counting centres ready at block headquarters by November 5. Earlier, they were asked to appoint polling officers and complete the process by October 25," he said.

Temporary polling station will be set up in areas having no proper facilities, the official added.

The Commissioner has also directed the Collectors to repair and paint ballot boxes to be used in the elections. An amount of Rs 1.16 crore has been sanctioned to the districts for the purpose and the Collectors have been asked to complete it by November 15.