Cash Handling Guidelines for Elections
Hyderabad: Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj has emphasized the importance of enrolling for home voting before April 22 for eligible individuals. The facility is available for voters above 85 years of age and Persons with Disabilities (PWD), with instructions issued to officials to distribute Form D to interested voters.
In addition to the 17 Lok Sabha constituencies, bye-elections will also be conducted for the Secunderabad Cantonment Assembly constituency, with the CEO of the Secunderabad Cantonment Board acting as the Returning Officer.
Addressing the media on Monday, the CEO outlined the preparations for the upcoming elections, including the requirement of 57,000 ballot units, 44,500 control units, and 48,000 VVPAT machines. The first level check for all machines has already been completed in the presence of political parties.
Regarding cash handling during the election period, citizens are permitted to carry up to Rs 50,000 in cash. However, for amounts exceeding this limit, proper documentation is necessary.
A significant deployment of security personnel is planned, with over 60,000 police personnel and 145 companies of Central Armed Police Forces slated for election duty. Additionally, approximately 1.80 lakh staff members are required in polling stations, with over 25,000 personnel deployed for other election-related duties.
The voter list comprises 3.30 crore voters, including more than 1.94 lakh electors above 85 years of age. Following the Assembly elections, nearly 12.50 lakh new voters have been enrolled, while 8.58 lakh names were deleted, and seven lakh modifications, including date of birth and address changes, were made.
To ensure security and prevent malpractice, integrated check posts at state borders will operate round the clock with surveillance cameras in place. Addressing concerns about bogus voters, especially in Greater Hyderabad, the CEO assured that officials are scrutinizing such cases, with action to be taken based on a preliminary report.
