General Election to Legislative Assemblies of Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir, 2024

General Election to Legislative Assemblies of Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir, 2024

The term and strength along with seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes of the Assembly Constituencies of Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, as determined by the Delimitation Order, are as under:

Name of State/UT

Term of

Assembly

Total     No. of AC Seats

Reserved for SCs

Reserved for STs

Haryana

04.11.2019 to 03.11.2024

90

17

0

Jammu And Kashmir

—

90

07

09

      Election Commission of India (hereinafter ECI) is committed to conduct free, fair, participative, accessible, inclusive and safe election to the Legislative Assemblies of Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir in exercise of the authority and powers conferred upon under Article 324 read with Article 172 (1) of the Constitution of India and Section 15 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. As per Supreme Court judgment dated 11^th December 2023 in the matter of Writ Petition (Civil) No. 1099 of 2019, the Commission has also decided to take necessary steps to conduct election to the legislative assembly of UT of Jammu and Kashmir.

      The General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Haryana shall be held on the basis of the extent of Assembly Constituencies as contained in the “Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly Constituencies Order-2008” and in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, the General Election to Legislative Assembly shall be held on the basis of “Delimitation Commission’s Order No. 2 vide Notification dated 5^th May 2022”.

      The Commission firmly believes that pure and updated electoral rolls are the foundation of free, fair and credible election. Hence, intensive and sustained focus is placed upon improving its quality, health and fidelity. After the amendment in the Section 14 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 by the Election Laws (Amendment) Act, 2021, there is a provision of four qualifying dates to enroll as a voter in a year. Accordingly, Commission has conducted the Special Summary Revision of Electoral Roll in Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir with reference to 01.07.2024, as the qualifying date. After time-bound completion of Special Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls with reference to 01.07.2024 as the qualifying date, the final publication of electoral roll is to be done on 20.08.2024 and 27.08.2024 in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana respectively. As per latest data of electoral roll, the number of electors in the State/UT of Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir is:

Name of State/UT

No. of

General Electors

No. of Service Voters

Total No. of electors as per electoral rolls

HARYANA

2,01,90,184

1,10,071

2,03,00,255

JAMMU AND KASHMIR

87,90,870

75,834

88,66,704

Number of enrolments of young electors who attained the age of 18 years between 1^st January 2024 and 1^st July 2024:

Name of State/UT

18-19 electors

HARYANA

4,70,460

JAMMU AND KASHMIR

4,27,813

Number of Electors marked as PwD, Third Gender and Senior Citizen (85+), in the State of Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir are:

Name of State/UT

Total PwD

Electors

Total Third

Gender

Total Senior

Citizens (85+)

HARYANA

1,49,239

455

2,46,207

JAMMU AND KASHMIR

83,072

167

69,974

      The Commission, in order to maximize participation from all strata of society and improve the health of electoral roll has taken all possible efforts to:

      Photo Electoral Rolls will be used during the General Elections to Legislative Assemblies of Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. EPIC is one of the documents for establishing the identity of elector at the time of voting. All out efforts are being made to ensure 100% delivery of EPIC to all newly registered electors before the last date of filing nomination.

      To facilitate voters in knowing the serial number of electoral roll in their polling station, date of poll, time etc., ‘Voter Information Slip’ will be issued. Voter Information Slip will include information like Polling Station, Date, Time etc. with QR code but not the photograph of the voter. Voter Information Slips will be distributed at least 5 days before the date of poll to all enrolled electors, by the District Election Officer. However, Voter Information Slip will not be allowed as proof of identity of voters.

      To ensure ease of participation and active engagement of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the electoral process, Commission has directed to issue Accessible Voter Information Slips with Braille Features to Persons with Visual Impairment, along with normal Voter Information Slips.

      In these elections, a Voter Guide (in Hindi/English/Local Language) shall be provided to every elector’s household ahead of elections, giving them information about the date and time of poll, contact details of the BLOs, important websites, helpline numbers, documents required for identification at the polling station besides other important information including the Do’s and Don’ts for voters at the polling station. This Voter Guide Brochure will be distributed along with Voter Information Slips by the BLOs.

      BLOs have done door to door survey and prepared a list of voters found absent from the place of their ordinary residence. Similarly, names of shifted and dead voters, whose names could not be deleted, shall also be added to this list by BLOs. This list of Absent, Shifted or Dead (ASD) voters shall be given to the Presiding Officers on the poll day. Commission has issued instructions that voting will be allowed only after proper identification of voters. Identification shall be done on the basis of EPIC or other alternative identity documents permitted by the Commission. Presiding Officers are required to double check the identity of voters whose names are on the ASD list.

      For identification of voters at Polling Station, the Voter shall present his EPIC or any of the following identification documents approved by the Commission:

iii. Passbooks with photograph issued by Bank/Post Office,

vi. PAN Card,

vii.Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR,

viii.Indian Passport,

ix. Pension document with photograph,

 

There shall be maximum 1500 electors in a polling station. The changes in the number of Polling Stations in the State are as follows:

 

Name of State/UT

No. of Polling Stations in 2019

No. of Polling Stations in 2024

HARYANA

19442

20629

JAMMU AND KASHMIR

10,757

11838

Commission has issued instructions to the Chief Electoral Officers of Haryana & Jammu and Kashmir to ensure that every Polling Station needs to be on ground floor and, shall have accessible road in good condition leading to polling station building and is equipped with Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) like drinking water, waiting shed, toilet with water facility, adequate arrangements for lighting, ramp of proper gradient for the PwD electors and a standard voting compartment, proper signage etc. The Commission has directed CEOs/DEOs to take efforts to make permanent ramp and permanent infrastructure at every polling station.

In Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir all polling stations are located at ground floor and ramps with proper gradient are provided for the convenience of differently abled electors and senior citizens with wheelchairs. Further, in order to provide targeted and need-based facilitation to differently-abled voters, Commission has directed that all persons with disabilities and senior citizens in an Assembly Constituency are identified and tagged to their respective Polling Stations and necessary disability-specific arrangements made for their smooth and convenient voting experience on poll day. Identified PwD and senior citizens electors will be assisted by volunteers appointed by RO/DEO. Special facilitation will be made for PwD and senior citizens electors at Polling Stations. Also, it has been directed that differently abled electors & senior citizens are given priority for entering polling booths, provision be made for designated parking spaces close to the entrance of polling station premise and special facilitation extended to electors with speech and hearing impairment. Special focus has been laid on sensitization of polling personnel regarding special needs of the differently abled electors.

Commission has directed the Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) that there should be proper transport facility for PwD and senior citizens electors in each and every polling station on the day of poll. The PwD electors can request for wheelchair facility by registering on Saksham-ECI App.

At the Polling Station, visually impaired persons can take a companion along with him/her to cast his/her vote on his/her behalf as provided in Rule 49 N of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961. Besides, Dummy Ballot Sheets in Braille are available in Polling Stations. Any visually impaired voter can use this sheet and after studying content of this sheet can cast his/her vote on his/her own using Braille facility on Ballot Units of EVMs without any help from companion.

In order to fulfill the statutory requirements under Rule 31 of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961 and to provide accurate and relevant information for voter awareness and information at each polling station, the Commission has also directed that following four (4) kind of uniform and standardized Voter Facilitation Posters (VFP) shall be prominently displayed at all Polling Stations:-   

Voter Assistance Booths shall be set up for every polling station location, having a team of BLO/officials in order to assist voters to correctly locate her/his polling booth number and serial number in the electoral roll of that concerned polling booth. The VABs will be set up with prominent signage and in such a manner that it will be conspicuous to the voters as they approach the polling premise/building to enable them to seek required facilitation on poll day. Alphabetic locator (as per English alphabet) generated with ERO-Net is placed at VAB to search the name easily and to know the serial number in the Electoral Roll.

In order to maintain the secrecy of vote at the time of poll and to achieve uniformity in use of voting compartments, Commission instructed that the height of the Voting Compartments should be 30 inches and the Voting Compartment should be placed on a table whose height shall be 30 inches. Only corrugated sheet (flex board) of steel- grey colour, which is completely opaque and reusable, shall be used for making the voting compartments. The Commission hopes that the use of these standardized and uniform Voting Compartments in all the polling stations will translate into greater voter facilitation, ensure absolute secrecy of vote and eliminate aberrations and non-uniformity in the preparation of Voting Compartment inside the polling stations.

The voting compartments shall also be pasted with self-adhesive stickers on three sides of the voting compartment depicting name of election, Name of State/UT, AC Number & name, P.S. number and Name, date of poll etc.

The following procedures have also been made in the existing Guidelines for Voting through postal ballot by Absentee Voters in the category of Senior Citizens, PwDs and Covid-19 suspect or affected persons: –

 

      As part of its firm commitment towards gender equality and greater constructive participation of women in the electoral process, the Commission has also directed that, to the extent possible, at least one polling station each managed exclusively by women and Persons with Disabilities shall be set up in every Assembly Constituency in poll going State of Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir. In such women managed Polling Stations, all election staff, including police and security personnel, will be women. Minimum one Model Polling Station per Assembly Constituency shall also be set up using and depicting local material and art forms.

      Moreover, the Commission has directed that at least one Polling Station per district shall be managed by the Polling teams consisting of available youngest eligible employee of that district.

            Brief description about filing of nomination is as given below:

In pursuance of the judgment dated 13^th September 2013 passed by the Supreme Court in Writ Petition (C) No. 121 of 2008 (Resurgence India Vs Election Commission of India and Another), which among other things makes it obligatory for the Returning Officer to check whether the information required is fully furnished (by the candidate) at the time of filing of affidavit with the nomination paper, the Commission has issued instructions that in the affidavit to be filed along with the nomination paper, candidates are required to fill up all the columns. If any column in the affidavit is left blank, the Returning Officer will issue a notice to the candidate to file the revised affidavit with all columns duly filled in. After such notice, if a candidate still fails to file affidavit complete in all respects, the nomination paper will be liable to be rejected by the Returning Officer at the time of scrutiny.

Vide Notifications dated 16th September 2016 and 7th April 2017, Part IIIA of Nomination Forms 2A & 2B and Part II of Nomination Forms 2C, 2D & 2E have been amended. Affidavit in Form 26 has also been amended vide Notification dated 26th February, 2019 making provisions of   (i) Mandatory disclosure of ‘PAN’ for candidates who have been allotted the number or to state clearly that ‘No PAN allotted’ for those candidates without a PAN; (ii) Details of total income as declared in the Income Tax return filed in the last 5 years to be declared for candidate, Spouse and HUF; and dependents (iii) Details to be provided of Assets (Movable/immovable) held abroad including beneficial interest in any offshore entity/trust by self, spouse, HUF or Dependents. Copy of amended Nomination Forms and Affidavit are available on the Commission’s website https://eci.gov.in> Menu > Candidate nomination & other Forms.

(a) Issue “No Dues Certificate” by all the concerned agencies/authorities/departments to such person within 48 hours of the receipt of the request letter in case where dues are not pending or are not due by law.

(b) Provide details of dues accrued to such persons within 48 hours of submitting of application to the agencies/authorities/departments.

(c) Issue ‘No Dues Certificate’ by the agencies/authorities/departments within 24 hours of clearing of dues, if any, as communicated as per (b) above, by such persons on submitting of application.

 

(Illustration: If the last date for withdrawal is 10th of the month and poll is on 24th of the Month, the first block for publishing of declaration shall be done between 11th and 14th of the Month, second and third blocks shall be between 15th and 18th and 19th and 22nd of that Month, respectively.)

This requirement is in pursuance of the judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Writ Petition(C) No. 784 of 2015 (Lok Prahari Vs. Union of India & Others) and Writ Petition (Civil) No. 536 of 2011 (Public Interest Foundation & Ors. Vs. Union of India & Anr).

The District Election Officers have been asked to prepare a comprehensive District Election Management Plan in consultation with SSPs/SPs and Sector Officers, including the route plan and the communication plan for conduct of elections. These will be vetted by the Observer, taking into account vulnerability mapping exercise and mapping of critical polling stations, in accordance with Election Commission of India’s extant instructions.

Commission attaches great importance to preparation and implementation of a perfect communication plan at the district/constituency level for the smooth conduct of elections and to enable concurrent intervention and mid-course correction on the poll day. For the said purpose, the Commission has directed the Chief Electoral Officers of Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir to coordinate with the officers of Telecommunication Department in the State headquarter, BSNL authorities, the representatives of other leading service providers in the State so that network status in the State is assessed and communication shadow areas be identified. The CEOs have also been instructed to prepare the best communication plan in their State and make suitable alternate arrangements in the communication shadow areas by providing Satellite Phones, Wireless sets, Special Runners etc.

            Further, the Commission has also directed to improve the condition of connecting roads for smooth movement of polling parties, security forces, voters and other election machineries. In case of water ways, proper arrangements of boats/ferries etc. are to be ensured during election.

Election Commission has issued advisories on several occasions urging political parties and candidates to use only environment-friendly material and to avoid single-use plastic and non-biodegradable material in their election campaign activities. Protecting the environment is not an individual task but a collective responsibility and hence the Commission urges all the political parties to avoid the use of plastic/polythene and similar non-biodegradable materials for preparation of posters, banners, etc. during election campaign in the interest of environment and human health. In this connection, on 18.08.2023, Commission has issued a compiled instruction to all CEOs and political parties to make our elections eco-friendly.

Further, NGT has also asked all concerned for close monitoring of Election Commission of India’s instructions in this regard.

All critical events will be video-graphed. District Election Officers will arrange sufficient number of video and digital cameras and camera teams for the purpose. The events for videography will include filing of nomination papers and scrutiny thereof, allotment of symbols, First Level Checking, preparations and storage of Electronic Voting Machines, important public meetings, processions etc. during election campaign, process of dispatching of postal ballot papers, polling process in identified vulnerable polling stations, storage of polled EVMs and VVPATs, counting of votes etc. Additionally, CCTVs will be installed at important Border Check Posts and Static Check Points for effective monitoring and surveillance. Commission has directed that arrangements for web casting shall be done in critical polling stations and all polling stations in vulnerable areas or at least in 50% of total polling stations including auxiliary polling stations, whichever is higher.

 

As per Section 3 (1) of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (as amended in 2015), whoever, not being a member of a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, forces or intimidates a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe not to vote or to vote for a particular candidate or to vote in a manner other than that provided by law, or not to stand as a candidate etc., shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to five years and with fine. The Commission has asked CEOs of Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir to bring these provisions to the notice of all concerned for prompt action. In order to bolster the confidence of the voters hailing from vulnerable sections especially SCs, STs etc. and enhance their conviction and faith in the purity and credibility of the poll process, CAPFs/SAP shall be extensively and vigorously utilized in patrolling and conducting route marches and undertaking other necessary confidence building measures under the supervision of the Central Observers.

The Commission has always considered Media as an important ally and a potent force multiplier in ensuring an effective and efficient election management. Hence, the Commission has directed CEOs of Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir to take the following measures for positive and progressive engagement and interaction with the media:

Media is also expected to follow all the extant guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) or any other competent authorities regarding COVID containment measures during all their election related coverage.

 

Media Certification and Monitoring Committees (MCMC) are in place at all the Districts and State level. All political advertisements proposed to be issued on electronic media shall require pre-certification from the concerned MCMC. Political advertisements in all electronic media/TV Channels/Cable Network/Radio including private FM channels/Cinema halls/audio-visual displays in public places/voice messages & bulk SMS over phone and social media & internet websites shall come within the purview of pre-certification. Commission requests all Political Parties/candidates/Media to follow pre-certification instructions.

MCMCs will also keep a strict vigil on suspected cases of paid news in the media and suitable action will be taken in confirmed cases after following all due procedures.

Keeping in view increasing incidents of misuse of Social Media & menace of Paid News and as a result of ECI’s vigorous persuasion, major Social Media Platforms agreed to observe Voluntary Code of Ethics formulated by them in March, 2019. This will be applicable in these elections as well. Provisions of model code of conduct and related instructions of the Commission issued from time to time shall also apply to the content being posted on the internet, including social media websites, by candidates and political parties.

The Commission requests all Political Parties and candidates to ensure that their supporters do not indulge in hate speeches and fake news. Strict watch on social media posts is being kept by MCMCs to ensure that the election atmosphere is not vitiated. Media may also play an active role in curbing the menace of fake news.

All the election management related news on all the major national and regional news channels during elections would be monitored vigorously. If any untoward incident or violation of any law/rule is noticed, action would be taken immediately. Reports of monitoring would also be forwarded to the CEOs. Office of CEO will ascertain status on each and every item and file ATR/Status Report.

Section 126 (1)(b) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, prohibits displaying any election matter by means, inter alia, of television or similar apparatus, in any polling area during the period of forty-eight hours (silence period) ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of the poll for any election in that polling area. Election matter referred hereinabove is defined as any matter intended or calculated to influence or affect the result of an election in any electronic media during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for conclusion of poll in each of the phases of elections.

Section 126A of the R.P. Act 1951, prohibits conduct of Exit poll and dissemination of their results by means of print or electronic media during the period mentioned therein, i.e. between the hour fixed for commencement of poll in the first phase and half an hour after the time fixed for close of poll for the last phase in all the State. Violation of Section 126 of the R.P. Act, 1951 is punishable with imprisonment upto a period of two years, or with fine or both.

All Media houses are advised to follow instructions in this regard keeping its spirit.

India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) has organized the following training programs for the forthcoming General Election to the Legislative Assemblies of Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir –

      Systematic Voters’ Education & Electoral Participation is a multi-intervention programme that reaches out to educate citizens about the electoral process in order to increase their awareness and participation.

      For enhancing electoral participation, the Commission has directed to take the following new initiatives:

The CEOs/DEOs have been directed to identify Low voter turnout PSs/ACs/PCs and take focused initiatives to address specific issues.

As the PS is the basic unit of election machinery, it has been directed to focus on district wise PSs for targeted interventions reaching out various groups like women, PWD, Transgender, PVTGs etc.

The State have been directed to identify and engage local influential personalities as Election Icons. This would not only add value to the message of voter awareness as well as increase the general outreach in the specific region.

As has been recently observed, the issue of Urban and Youth Apathy is a major concern for the Commission. Relatively low turnouts in urban areas need to be addressed by special interventions. Similarly, for youth, the awareness and engagement is required to be increased via appropriate mediums like ELCs, special registration camps, etc.

Furthermore, Comprehensive SVEEP Plan, as per the new strategy document (SVEEP-IV) is directed to be prepared. Partnerships collaborations with various stakeholders should be forged with for greater outreach. Ensuring inclusion of all marginalized sections through targeted interventions, technological solutions and policy changes should be done. To enhance the quality of electoral participation, steps may be taken to promote informed and ethical voting through IMF-EEE (Information, Motivation, Facilitation, Engagement, Education and Empowerment) paradigm. Model Polling stations may be decorated keeping in view NVD theme of the year.

The Commission will deploy IAS officers as General Observers in adequate number to ensure smooth conduct of election in consultation with the CEOs of the poll going State. The Observers will be asked to keep a close watch on every stage of the electoral process to ensure free and fair election.

The Commission would deploy IPS officers as Police Observers in consultation with the CEOs of the poll going State at District/AC level, depending upon the need, sensitivity and assessment of ground situation of the District/AC. They will monitor all activities relating to force deployment, law and order situation and co-ordinate between Civil and Police administration to ensure free and fair election.

In addition to the already deployed General Observers, the Commission may also deploy additional officers as Counting Observers at District/AC level, depending upon the requirement in consultation with the CEOs of the poll going State. They will oversee the counting centre arrangements and monitor all activities relating counting of votes.

In exercise of the plenary powers conferred on it by Article 324 of the Constitution of India, the Commission also deploys Special Observers who belong to All India Services and various Central Services if seems necessary.

The Commission has also decided to appoint adequate number of Expenditure Observers who will exclusively monitor the election expenditure of the contesting candidates.

The Commission has enhanced usage of IT Application, to usher in greater citizen participation and transparency.

To facilitate filling of nominations, the Election Commission has introduced an online portal for filling the nomination & affidavit. The Candidate can visit https://suvidha.eci.gov.in/ to create his/her account, fill nomination form, deposit the security amount, check availability of time slot and appropriately plan his visit to the Returning Officer.

Once the application is filled through the online portal, the candidate only needs to take a printout, get it notarized and submit the application along with relevant documents to the Returning Officer in person.

The Online Nomination Facility is an optional facility to facilitate ease of filing and correct filing. The regular offline submission as prescribed under the law shall continue too.

The application will be available during elections for Candidates/ Political Parties / Agents to download and use to track the nomination and permission status from the Google Play store.

Candidate Affidavit portal is a web portal that allows citizens to view the complete list of Candidate Nominations who have applied for the elections. The citizen, political parties and media houses to know about the candidates, accesses this portal. A complete candidate profile with photo and affidavit is made public as and when the Returning Officer enters the data. The Complete list of Contesting Candidates with their profile, nomination status and the affidavits will be available for public view through Candidate Affidavit Portal. This portal can be accessed using  https://affidavit.eci.gov.in/  

The Election Commission of India has developed a dedicated app Know your Candidate (KYC) for both Android and iOS platforms for informing about “Criminal Antecedents” status of candidates. This allows citizens to browse candidates with/ without Criminal Antecedents and empowers the citizens to know the criminal antecedents of the candidates. The application is available on both the Google Play & Apple App Store.

Voter Turnout App will be used to display two hourly approximate voter turnout details of each Assembly Constituency entered by RO (AC)/Nodal Officer.  Approximate voter turnout data of each phase of the elections will be displayed through this app. The application is available on the Google Play store and Apple App Store.

The ENCORE portal is an end-to-end application for all election officials (CEO, DEO, RO & ARO) that has a well-defined responsibility to perform various activity in multiple modules. This portal has multiple modules listed below with a brief introduction:

The returning officer will fill all the required details to register the profile of the candidate in the system that will be used at multiple levels of conduct of election process. For all the received nominations, the returning officer needs to upload the affidavit against each nomination.

 

This system provides facility of marking nomination as Accepted / Rejected during scrutiny and marking of withdrawal if any candidate withdraws his candidature. After last date of withdrawal, the returning officer can also generate his form 7A through the system.

Permission module allows the election officials to process the permission request received by the candidates, political parties or any representatives of the candidate who applied the permission using SUVIDHA portal or submitted the permission request physically to election office.

The ENCORE counting application is an end-to-end application for AROs/ROs to digitize the EVM and postal ballot votes polled, tabulate the data each round to declare the result of the election.

 

A facility that has been provided to the Returning Officer to fill the Index card online after counting. It contains each detail of elections from the schedule of elections to the declaration of results such as data on nomination, turnout and counting.

This expenditure-monitoring module provides facility to all the DEOs to submit the DEO Scrutiny report, which will be prepared once all the candidate submits their expenses report to the DEOs after 25 days of completion of election.

 

The timely publication of the round-wise information is vital for establishing a single source of data. The counting data entered by respective Returning Officers is available as ‘Trends and Results’ for public view through ’ECI Results website’ http://results.eci.gov.in/,  The result website has been upgraded with enhanced features including map view for better users experience.

The results are shown with the Infographics and displayed with auto-scroll panels through large display screens outside the counting hall or any public place through Trends TV. The trends & results is also available on VHA mobile App.

EVM Management System is designed to manage inventory of EVM units. One of the important modes to ensure a fair and transparent process in EVM management is the administrative protocol of the randomization of the machines before they are deployed in the Polling stations. The randomization is done in the presence of Political Parties’ representatives.

Through https://voters.eci.gov.in/, a user can avail and access various services such as access the electoral list, apply for voter id card, apply online for corrections in voter’s card, tracking form status, view details of Polling booth, Assembly Constituency and Parliamentary constituency, and get the contact details of Booth Level officer, Electoral Registration Officer among other services.

 

Citizen can avail and access various services such as apply for voter id card, apply online for corrections in voter’s card, view details of Polling booth, Assembly Constituency and Parliamentary constituency, and get the contact details of Booth Level officer, Electoral Registration Officer among other services. The mobile app is available on both the platform Google Play store & Apple Store.

Saksham app is meant for Person with Disabilities. The PwD elector can make requests for marking them as PWD, request for new registration, request for migration, request for correction in EPIC details, request for wheelchair. It utilizes the Accessibility features of mobile phones for voters with blindness and hearing disabilities. The Application is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App store.

BLO App (erstwhile known as GARUDA App) is a dedicated Mobile App for BLOs for performing their tasks digitally. The application is available on both the Google Play & Apple Store. Following are the main features of BLO App:

ERONET is a web-based system for around 10 lakh Electoral officials, in 14 languages and 11 scripts, to handle all processes pertaining to Form 6/6A/7/8. It standardised forms processing, standard database scheme, and a standard template for E-Roll printing. It automates the process of electoral roll management starting from elector registration, field verification of electors, decision support system for Electoral Registration Officers and for providing extensive integrated value-added services. All 28 State and 8 UTs are sharing common infrastructure at National Level. UNPER (Unified National Photo Electoral Roll) is a common database for all State and UTs with data of more than 98 crore electors. The URL of system is https://officials.eci.gov.in/

The Service Voter Portal is a web-based application to help service voters register to vote and manage their voter registration details. In India, there are more than 19 lakh registered service voters in the system. The Election Commission of India has separately handled the registration process of service voters. The service voter registration process is a bit different from the general electors. The responsibility of enrollment of a service voter is given to the Record Officer of that service voter. The record office ensures the filling of forms and uploads the XML in the required format on the Service Voter portal. The URL of system is https://svp.eci.gov.in/

It is upgraded version of ETPBS having enhanced features and Dashboard & Reporting modules for all stakeholders. The system is use to generate and transmit Postal Ballot through Electronic means to the Service Voters. The system has also been integrated with Department of Post so that Service voter can send his/her Ballot after casting vote, through speed post without paying any charges. Detailed instructions are sent, along with Postal Ballot, to each service elector. On the day of counting, the same system will be used to validate the Postal Ballot received by post to verify whether the received ePostal Ballot is generated by the system or not.

 

The Election Commission has developed a National Grievance Service Portal (NGSP). This system is developed in such a manner that in addition to providing redress to the complaints of the Citizens, Electors, Political Parties, Candidates, Media and Election Officials at National, State and District level, it also serves as a common interface for providing services through a common interface.

The application provides for a single interface for handling complaints by the Election officials. All Electoral Officers, District Election Officers, CEO and ECI Officials are part of the system. Thus, issues are directly assigned to the respective user upon registration. The citizen can use this service using    https://voters.eci.gov.in/

In order to ensure inducement free elections, Election Commission of India has embedded technology into the monitoring process through the Election Seizure Monitoring System (ESMS) Mobile App which is proving to be a catalyst, as it brought a wide array of Central and State enforcement agencies together for better coordination and intelligence sharing. ESMS Mobile App is being used to digitize data for intercepted/Seized items (Cash/Liquor/Drugs/ Precious Metal/Freebies/Other Items) direct from field. This enable stakeholder to get automate desired report in required format; avoid duplicate data entry by Agencies and analysis on received data at CEO Level.

Integrated Election Expenditure Monitoring System (IEMS) is a user-friendly, secure online platform which enables Political Parties to submit online prescribed document like Contribution report (From 24A), Annual Audit Account, Election Expenditure. Key features for IEMS are as follows:

The Election Commission of India’s “Go Green” initiative is a commendable step towards a more environmentally responsible and efficient electoral system. By adopting digital vouchers, the Commission is demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and modernization. This initiative not only benefits the environment but also enhances the experience for political parties involved in the electoral process. It sets a positive example for other governmental bodies and organizations to follow, highlighting the importance of embracing digital solutions and eco-friendly practices in a rapidly changing world.

Observer portal is an online portal for data management of all types of observer’s i.e. general observer, police observer and expenditure observes. The deployment schedule of the observer, report submission and many other activities are completed with the help of this portal. The observers also get multiple facilities like filling & submission of reports, notification from the commission, downloads of all the required documents and many more. Parallel to the web portal a mobile app is also provided that includes all the features that are available in the web application.

After commissioning of EVMs and VVPATs, Symbol Loading Units (SLU) will be sealed and kept under the custody of the District Election Officer concerned till Election Petition period. Only reserve SLU (not used for symbol loading) will be returned back to the authorised BEL/ECIL engineer on P+1 Day. In case of Election Petition, used SLUs will be kept till final disposal of Election Petition.

As part of the SVEEP, there are awareness programmes to bring this option to the knowledge of electors and all other stakeholders.

The Commission expects all officials engaged in the conduct of elections to discharge their duties in an impartial manner without any fear or favour. They are deemed to be on deputation to the Commission and shall be subject to its control, supervision and discipline. The conduct of all Government officials who have been entrusted with election related responsibilities and duties would remain under constant scrutiny of the Commission and strict action shall be taken against those officials who are found wanting on any account.

     The Commission has prepared the Schedule for holding General Election to the Legislative Assemblies of Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir after taking into consideration all relevant aspects, like the Post Flood Situation & Climatic Conditions including Snowfall in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir and factors like Academic calendar, Board Examinations, Major Festivals, prevailing law and order situation in the State/UT, availability of Central Armed Police Forces, time needed for movement, transportation and timely deployment of forces and in-depth assessment of other relevant ground realities.

The Commission, after considering all relevant aspects has decided to recommend to the Hon’ble Governor/Lt. Governor of the State of Haryana and UT of Jammu and Kashmir to issue notifications for the General Election under the relevant provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, as per the Annexure -I & II. The Commission seeks the active cooperation, close collaboration and constructive      partnership  of all the esteemed stakeholders  in the electoral process and strives to employ the collective synergies towards Delivering a smooth, free, fair, peaceful, participative and festive General Assembly Elections, 2024 in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir.

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PK/RP

 

ANNEXURE-I

 

Schedule for the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir

Poll Events

Phase-I

(24 ACs)

Phase-II

(26 ACs)

Phase-III

(40 ACs)

Date of Issue of Gazette Notification

20.08.2024 (Tuesday)

29.08.2024 (Thursday)

05.09.2024 (Thursday)

Last Date of making nominations

27.08.2024 (Tuesday)

05.09.2024 (Thursday)

12.09.2024 (Thursday)

Date for Scrutiny of Nominations

 

28.08.2024 (Wednesday)

06.09.2024 (Friday)

13.09.2024 (Friday)

Last date for the withdrawal of candidatures

30.08.2024 (Friday)

09.09.2024 (Monday)

17.09.2024 (Tuesday)

Date of Poll

 

18.09.2024 (Wednesday)

25.09.2024 (Wednesday)

01.10.2024 (Tuesday)

Date of Counting

04.10.2024 (Friday)

Date before which election shall be completed

06.10.2024 (Sunday)

 

*Details of ACs going to poll during the phases enclosed.

 

 

LIST OF 24 (TWENTY FOUR) ASSEMBLY CONSTITUENCIES OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR GOING TO POLL IN  1^ST PHASE

Number of AC

Name of Assembly Constituency

32

Pampore

33

Tral

34

Pulwama

35

Rajpora

36

Zainapora

37

Shopian

38

D.H. Pora

39

Kulgam

40

Devsar

41

Dooru

42

Kokernag (ST)

43

Anantnag West

44

Anantnag

45

Srigufwara – Bijbehara

46

Shangus – Anantnag East

47

Pahalgam

48

Inderwal

49

Kishtwar

50

Padder – Nagseni

51

Bhadarwah

52

Doda

53

Doda West

54

Ramban

55

Banihal

 

 

 

LIST OF 26 (TWENTY SIX) ASSEMBLY CONSTITUENCIES OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR GOING TO POLL IN 2^ND PHASE

Number of AC

Name of Assembly Constituency

17

Kangan (ST)

18

Ganderbal

19

Hazratbal

20

Khanyar

21

Habbakadal

22

Lal Chowk

23

Channapora

24

Zadibal

25

Eidgah

26

Central Shalteng

27

Budgam

28

Beerwah

29

Khansahib

30

Chrar-i-Sharief

31

Chadoora

56

Gulabgarh (ST)

57

Reasi

58

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi

83

Kalakote – Sunderbani

84

Nowshera

85

Rajouri (ST)

86

Budhal (ST)

87

Thannamandi (ST)

88

Surankote (ST)

89

Poonch Haveli

90

Mendhar (ST)

 

 

LIST OF 40 (FORTY) ASSEMBLY CONSTITUENCIES OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR GOING TO POLL IN 3^RD PHASE

Number of AC

Name of Assembly Constituency

1

Karnah

2

Trehgam

3

Kupwara

4

Lolab

5

Handwara

6

Langate

7

Sopore

8

Rafiabad

9

Uri

10

Baramulla

11

Gulmarg

12

Wagoora – Kreeri

13

Pattan

14

Sonawari

15

Bandipora

16

Gurez (ST)

59

Udhampur West

60

Udhampur East

61

Chenani

62

Ramnagar (SC)

63

Bani

64

Billawar

65

Basohli

66

Jasrota

67

Kathua (SC)

68

Hiranagar

69

Ramgarh (SC)

70

Samba

71

Vijaypur

72

Bishnah (SC)

73

Suchetgarh (SC)

74

R.S. Pura – Jammu South

75

Bahu

76

Jammu East

77

Nagrota

78

Jammu West

79

Jammu North

80

Marh (SC)

81

Akhnoor (SC)

82

Chhamb

 

Annexure-II

Schedule for the General Election  to the Legislative Assembly of Haryana

Poll Events

Haryana

(All 90 Assembly Constituencies)

Date of Issue of Gazette Notification

 

05.09.2024 (Thursday)

Last Date of making nominations

 

12.09.2024 (Thursday)

Date for Scrutiny of Nominations

 

13.09.2024 (Friday)

Last date for the withdrawal of

candidatures

16.09.2024 (Monday)

Date of Poll

 

01.10.2024 (Tuesday)

Date of Counting

 

04.10.2024 (Friday)

Date before which election shall be

completed

06.10.2024 (Sunday)

 

*Details of ACs going to poll during the phase enclosed.

 

LIST OF ASSEMBLY CONSTITUENCIES OF HARYANA

Number of AC

Name of Assembly Constituency

1

Kalka

2

Panchkula

3

Naraingarh

4

Ambala Cantt.

5

Ambala City

6

Mulana (SC)

7

Sadhaura (SC)

8

Jagadhri

9

Yamunanagar

10

Radaur

11

Ladwa

12

Shahbad (SC)

13

Thanesar

14

Pehowa

15

Guhla (SC)

16

Kalayat

17

Kaithal

18

Pundri

19

Nilokheri (SC)

20

Indri

21

Karnal

22

Gharaunda

23

Assandh

24

Panipat Rural

25

Panipat City

26

Israna (SC)

27

Samalkha

28

Ganaur

29

Rai

30

Kharkhauda (SC)

31

Sonipat

32

Gohana

33

Baroda

34

Julana

35

Safidon

36

Jind

37

Uchana Kalan

38

Narwana (SC)

39

Tohana

40

Fatehabad

41

Ratia (SC)

42

Kalanwali (SC)

43

Dabwali

44

Rania

45

Sirsa

46

Ellenabad

47

Adampur

48

Uklana (SC)

49

Narnaund

50

Hansi

51

Barwala

52

Hisar

53

Nalwa

54

Loharu

55

Badhra

56

Dadri

57

Bhiwani

58

Tosham

59

Bawani Khera (SC)

60

Meham

61

Garhi Sampla-Kiloi

62

Rohtak

63

Kalanaur (SC)

64

Bahadurgarh

65

Badli

66

Jhajjar (SC)

67

Beri

68

Ateli

69

Mahendragarh

70

Narnaul

71

Nangal Chaudhry

72

Bawal (SC)

73

Kosli

74

Rewari

75

Pataudi (SC)

76

Badshahpur

77

Gurgaon

78

Sohna

79

Nuh

80

Ferozepur Jhirka

81

Punahana

82

Hathin

83

Hodal (SC)

84

Palwal

85

Prithla

86

Faridabad NIT

87

Badkhal

88

Ballabgarh

89

Faridabad

90

Tigaon

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