MARGAO: The South Goa administration got into the election mode on Wednesday by chalking out the action plan to handle the affairs of 21 constituencies.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, District Collector Swapnil Naik along with the Superintendent of Police Shekhar Prabhudessai informed that a total of 42 flying squads will be pressed into service in 21 constituencies and at least 4240 employees will be posted on election duty.
Naik who is the election incharge of South Goa has announced that entire Ponda taluka has been included in South Goa and the administration is ready to handle the affairs of 21 constituencies.
The Collector also assured that the work of removal of banners will be completed in the next 48 hours.
“Discussions are on with the advertising companies to handle the cases of banners in private properties, which have permissions and action will be taken in next 78 hours” Naik informed.
“The administration has also provided vehicles for the static surveillance and for the flying squads. These squads will work round-the-clock,” the Collector said adding that “The squad surveillance has already commenced. Each taluka will have a District Control Room with a helpline number — 2494200.”
The Collector also disclosed that during this election, South Goa will have 848 polling booths.
“The static surveillance squads will be stationed at the airport, ports and entry points of the state. A committee to keep an eye on the media has also been appointed,” he added.
“A target of 90% voting has been set during this election. 16 Nodal Officers have been appointed and an application for counting stations in 4 talukas has been sent to the Election Commission,” he said adding that “Cases of cash seizure will be taken up seriously and referred to the IT department.”
SP Prabhudessai informed that 50 companies of paramilitary forces have been called in and will be employed till counting day.
