Bhubaneswar, May 21: During a media briefing, Chanchal Rana, the Collector-cum-District Magistrate of Khordha, highlighted the deployment of 24 ECIL engineers across various assembly polling stations to promptly address any technical issues related to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) on Tuesday.

Amidst concerns regarding EVM malfunctions reported during the first and second phases of elections held on May 13 and May 20 respectively in Odisha, the district administration of Khordha has taken stringent measures to tackle EVM-related issues in the upcoming polls on May 25.

Speaking at the press conference, DM Rana stated, “We have established a district control unit that has been operational 24*7 since the announcement of the elections. People can reach us at the toll-free number 1950 to report election-related issues and complaints.”

Print, electronic, and social media platforms are under strict surveillance 72 hours prior to polling to counter the dissemination of false information. Additionally, communication control rooms have been set up in every Returning Officer (RO) and district election office to monitor complaints related to EVM malfunctions, electoral violence, and provide timely updates on voter turnout percentages.

DM Rana also mentioned the appointment of 55 micro observers at vulnerable polling stations based on feedback from observers and political parties.

Each of the 1923 polling stations will be assigned one volunteer to assist elderly and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) voters. These volunteers have undergone two rounds of training sessions. Moreover, all polling stations are equipped with assured minimum facilities including ramps, toilets, and backup electricity supply through solar panels and diesel generators.

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