UP gears up for Election Photo Identity Cards' distribution

Lucknow, Feb 11 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh government today directed all DMs to augment the process of Election Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) before the assembly poll and ensure distribution of all cards by February 25, whose photos have been taken by February 9.

Chairing a review meeting of all DMs here in connection with the preparation for the assembly poll, state chief secretary N C Bajpai said the process of EPIC should be faster and the electorate should be informed about the importance of the card.

''EPICs should be made on a priority basis and the authorities neglecting it would be punished,'' he gave a stern warning.

He directed the DMs to inform about the progress of the EPIC in day-to-day basis and any laxity would not be tolerated.

Mr Bajpai said it is the duty of the district authorities to distribute the EPICs to the electorate in a swift note.

Speaking on the law and order issue in wake of the coming poll, state principal secretary (home) S K Agarwal directed the DMs to step up action against criminals, illegal arms and arms factories.

''If required, criminals should be booked under NSA, Goonda Act and Gangster Act, while special checking should be started in the international and inter-state borders,'' he added.

Yesterday, the CS held a similar meeting with the divisional commissioners.

The meeting was attended by state electoral officer Anuj Kumar Bisnoi and director general of police (DGP) Bua Singh.

UNI