Srinagar Establishes Control Room to Monitor Lok Sabha Election Conduct

In a significant move to ensure the integrity of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Srinagar has witnessed the establishment of an Integrated Election Control Room (IECR) and Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) Centre. This initiative, set up at DC Srinagar, aims to monitor any violations of the model code of conduct (MCC) and facilitate better coordination among various departments involved in the electoral process.

The District Election Officer (DEO) of Srinagar, Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, conducted an inspection of these newly equipped facilities. The IECR and MCMC Centre are outfitted with the latest technologies to ensure a smooth and transparent election process in the district. During his visit, DEO Bhat reviewed the facilities and equipment installed and engaged with the designated nodal officers and staff deployed at these centres.

According to DEO Bhat, the IECR has been established following directives from the Election Commission of India (ECI). It is designed as a comprehensive tool for coordinating the activities of various agencies involved in the election process. The IECR will feature a call receiving facility on 1950 for MCC scrutiny of media channels, social media analysis, cVIGIL teams, and addressing general grievances related to the elections through the ECI portal.

On a parallel note, the MCMC Centre will operate under ECI guidelines to meticulously monitor paid news during the Lok Sabha elections. It is tasked with certifying political advertisements before their broadcast across various media platforms. These platforms include TV, radio channels, audio-video displays in cinema halls, internet-based media including social media, e-papers, and cable networks.

The nodal officers for MCMC and IECR, Ahsan ul Haq Chisti and Mirza Shahid Ali respectively, accompanied DEO Bhat during his visit to these centres. Their roles are crucial in ensuring that the electoral process remains fair and transparent, adhering strictly to the guidelines set forth by the ECI.

This development is a testament to the commitment of election authorities towards maintaining a clean and fair electoral process. By leveraging technology and strict monitoring mechanisms, Srinagar is setting a precedent for other districts to follow in ensuring adherence to the model code of conduct during elections.