Finance
The Odisha State Election Commission (SEC) has begun preparations for the next Panchayat and Urban Local Body (ULB) elections, which are expected to take place in April-May next year following the completion of the national Census process, SEC Secretary Santosh Kumar Dash said on Saturday.
He stated that the Commission is preparing for the local body elections and intends to release the official notification in March, subject to the conclusion of the Census.
“The Commission has already started preparations for the elections. The schedule will be finalised after the completion of the Census process,” Dash said.
Following the publication of the draft reservation list for chairperson positions in Urban Local Bodies, the SEC has commenced preliminary work. The Commission will conduct other election-related actions once the reservation procedure is completed.
The electoral roll modification exercise is set to begin in October, with the election notification due to be issued in March. The Commission intends to hold Panchayat and municipal elections concurrently in April and May.
The SEC has made plans to meet the standards for the polling. It already possesses approximately 12,000 Electronic Voting units (EVMs) for local elections and has placed an order for an additional 6,000 units.
A door-to-door survey will also be performed following the completion of the reservation list. Each ward in Notified Area Councils (NACs) will have one polling booth to guarantee that voting runs smoothly and efficiently.
The Commission has already begun the procurement of ballot sheets for EVMs and logistical preparations, such as the employment of trucks for election tasks.
