Odisha SEC Directs Collectors & SPs To Strictly Enforce COVD Guidelines For Panchayat Polls

Bhubaneswar: Apprehending large gathering of supporters of contestants for the ensuing panchayat elections on the last day of filing nominations, the State Election Commission has issued fresh guidelines on large gatherings.

The SEC has asked Odisha DGP to issue instructions to all SPs, including COVID Observers, to ensure adherence to COVID protocols during filing of nominations. The nomination filing process began on January 17 and will conclude on January 21.

The office of Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), in an official order, stated that at a meeting with the district collectors and SPs it was decided to strictly enforce the guidelines in view of the rising COVID and its variant Omicron cases in the state.

DSP rank officers have been appointed as COVID observers in different districts.

With a large number of nominations likely to be filed on the last day  for filing the papers tomorrow (January 21), the election commission  has asked the SPs and COVID protocol observers to ensure social distancing and not allow large gatherings.

The government has banned public meetings in view of the COVID-19 situation.

Also Read: Check Chief Secy Message For People Of Odisha Amid COVID Surge