Commission Moves into Election Preparations; Next Phase of SIR in April, Instructions to States

New Delhi: The Election Commission has directed the states and union territories to prepare for the next phase of the SIR as part of the upcoming election process in the country. The Commission aims to begin the SIR process by April.

SIR measures include assessing the availability of election materials, inspecting voting machines, and evaluating the condition of polling stations. Ahead of the new phase starting in April, the Commission has sent a letter to the Chief Election Officers requesting them to accurately record the current stock details and security arrangements.

The Election Commission has also requested information on the precautions taken during the checking of voting machines in the first phase. This move comes in view of the upcoming Assembly elections. To make the election process more transparent, the digital inventory management system will be further strengthened.

State governments have been advised to appoint dedicated nodal officers for this purpose and to ensure the security of the warehouses storing election materials. The Commission has set a deadline for submitting reports within the month of April.