Election Model code of conduct comes in force in HP: CEO 

 Chief Electoral Officer of Himachal Pradesh Election Department Munush Garag announced here today that model code of conduct came into force in all 68 Assembly constituency in the state with announcement of Assembly poll by Election Commission of India on Friday. Addressing media persons here today Mr Garag said that as including 28.46 lakh  male and 27.28lakh female  there would  5574793 total electoral of Himachal Pradesh would participate in the voting to be held on November 12 in single phase Election . He said that during summary revisions of Electoral lists about 1.81 lakh new voters and 43, 000 first time voters were enrolled in the state. He said that around 1181 centenarian voters who are 100 plus were identified and facilitate  at their home inviting them for the polling. He said that there would 186682 first time voters and 120894 voters in 80 to99 yrs age group. He said that around 7881 polling stations were identified in the state including 7235 rural and 646 urban polling stations He said that Tashigang in Lahaul Spiti at height of 15256 feet is highest polling booths in the state. Chasdua -2 polling stations in Chintpurni of Una is lowest elevation 300 ft above sea level polling stations. There are 65 polling stations which are located above ten to twelve thousand feet above sea level and 20 polling stations above 12 thousands feet above sea. He said that Chask Bhatori pooling station in Bharmour in Chamba district is remotest polling stations where polling parties have to travel 14 km on foot. Mr Garag said that polling parties would be Schedule to left for such remote polling stations in advance but would be allowed to use Special carry bags for EVMs and VVPAT. He said that in Kangra district Sedhwari polling stations would be  1494 highest electoral and Sulha Assembly segment in Kangra with 104486 voters. He said that with only 16 voters Ka smallest polling station, in Kinnuar district and   Lahaul-Spiti Assembly  would  have 24744 lowest electoral. He said that 142 polling stations where number of women voters would out do men have been shortlisted as all women polling stations where Election and security duties would be performed by the fair sex or women . Similarly 37 polling stations would be operated and run by People with disability or Diveyang . 136 model polling stations have been made for the polling where all human basic amenities include waters and toilets’ etc. would be provided. He said that total 67 companies of central armed forces would be deployed in the state and no employee would be deployed in Election duty in their Assembly Constituency and in home Constituency moreover their randomization software  would be used  to deploy them in the duties. Mr Garag said that cent per cent voters have EPIC and uploaded photos in the phot cards. He said that 60 pc voters cards are linked with Adhar number. He said that photo voter slips would not be valid alternative documents to cast the votes and include Adhar card and driving license and others valid document should be produced in the polling booths. He said that new electoral could enrolled under NVS and BLO till October 15 till finalization of Electoral lists. He said that all the photos and advisement should be removed by 48 hrs from the government offices , public places and Government websites and from private properties by 72 hrs of today with enforcement of MCC in the state. He said that no new development work could start now and if any ongoing development works is progress before the MCC it should be continued. He said that state have achieved cumulative 75 pc turn out in last Lok Sabha Election and State election department set targets of mission 277 to achieve above 75 pc polling where polling percentage remained below normal. He said that there are about 110 inter state entry point where three tier security would manned the duty 24×7 with CCTV footage. He said that in 378 critical polling booths of state a CAPF jawan and Himachal Pradesh police security would be deployed and in 902 vulnerable polling stations extra security would be deployed and 6601 polling stations would be General security. CEO said that ECI have increased Expenditure limit of candidates from 28 lakh to Rs 40 lakh . He said that to remove the fake and frivolous voters about 12500 voters who have double votes with same photo and 3348 with same document and address were scanned by department and around 16000 doubles voters were deleted . In wake of early winter season or early snowfall in high altitude Assembly areas ECI have asked the district returning officer to prepare contingency plan for the snowfall to ensure smooth polling .