|
In the ultimate analysis it is men who create history though
proponents of natural evolution would have us believe that
History produces its own men and women to shape and propel
events . The analogy may seem far-fetched to those wallowing in
cynical unconcern over the finer nuances of conducting an
election involving more than two million voters in a politically
volatile state . Yet Dr Gomatham Srinivasa Govindaraja Ayyanger
, Tripura's highly acclaimed Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), is
on the threshold of history as the spearhead of the Election
Commission's project of conducting 'Model Election' in Tripura.
A man from southern heartland of India-Andhra Pradesh, the land
of the celebrated Satvahanas of history , to be precise- Dr G.S.G.
Ayyanger had consciously deviated from his chosen field of
academic specialisation in Entomology to become an officer of
the exalted Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1987. Since
then there has been no looking back for dashing and decisive
Ayyanger who finely blends his dedicated piety with dutifulness
and commitment to people and the job he is entrusted with . As
CEO, Tripura Ayyanger's list of achievements is long : he has
'detoxified' the electoral roll , brought 99.9% of the
electorate under coverage of Photo-affixed identity cards and
created perfect conditions for a smooth and peaceful polling ,
earning kudos from the ECI itself . Before donning the mantle of
CEO Ayyanger had played a outstanding role in implementing the
ten year Perspective Plan of the state government in agriculture
, rural development schemes and in introducing
the innovative cultivation through SRI system of paddy
cultivation. Dr Ayyanger took time off his tense and hectic
pre-election schedule to speak to tripurainfo.com in the course
of this Exclusive interview on the upcoming polls
:
Question : In the context of assembly polls in Tripura the
term 'Model Election' has become a constant refrain in the
statements and pronouncements of the Election Commission . What
does it really signify ?
Ans :
This is the first time in the country that an entire electorate
will exercise their right to vote with photo-affixed identity
cards. We have already distributed such identity cards among
99.9% of the electorate and nobody will be allowed to stand in a
queue of voters unless he or she carries photo-affixed identity
cards. This is definitely a new thing because in no other state
of the country has voting been held on the basis of 100% voter
identity cards. Not only that , it is the first time the
election commission is deploying special Electronic Voting
Machines (EVMs) in all polling booths across the state . This
has not happened anywhere else in the country so far . Such
special machines will totally preclude false voting or rigging.
These machines will record the number of voters who cast ballots
within an hour, besides, recording the 'Electronic Impression'
of voters thumbs . There will be massive security arrangments in
and around the polling booths as well as on roads for movement
of voters to and from the polling booths. There will be no scope
for voters to complain later that he or she has not gone to the
booth for fear of security . From a fortnight ahead of the
elections at least 200 companies of additional paramilitary
forces will be deployed in the state for providing foolproof
security to the voters. In addition , the micro-observers of the
commission will be posted in front of polling booths and they
will be working under the central observers. In fact ten
micro-observers each will be deployed for the sixty assembly
constituencies of the state for keeping close and strict watch
on the polling booths. This is the first time micro-observers
are being deployed in any state of the country for smooth and
peaceful polling. These are the most salient features of the
'Model Election'.
Question : It is the experience of the people here that banned
militants invariably create trouble during elections . Is there
any such apprehension this time ? How well are you prepared to
thwart subversive activities and violence of the militants ?
Ans :
I have told you at the very beginning that this election is
envisaged as the 'Model Election , so no effort will be spared
to ensure that voters can exercise their sacred right of casting
votes . We have already tentatively categorised the polling
booths and as per available information we have identified 108
polling booths as hyper-sensitive and 500 polling booths as
sensitive though the number of 'critical booths' has not yet
been identified. We will categorise the 'critical booths' in
consultation with political parties and their candidates and ,
accordingly, security arrangements will be made for all booths.
For the purpose of security CRPF, BSF, ITBP SSB officers and
jawans will be deployed and they will be backed by a large
number of plain-clothes policemen in duty.
Question : How much error-free is the electoral roll for the
'Model Election ? Is it true that leaders and workers of ruling
party as well as militants are snatching the voter identity
cards of people , promising to give them work under REGA and
other schemes ? How true is this allegation made by opposition
Congress ?
Ans :Well, as far as I am concerned the electoral roll is
error-free but still I am open to the possibility that minor
corrections may still be required and in that event we
will do everything possible to make it foolproof.
We have received some allegations about snatching of identity
cards in interior areas. As far as election law is concerned
photo-identity card is non-transferable and a voter standing in
a queue before the polling booth must have his or her photo
identity card with him . So, those giving away the identity
cards will be as guilty as those who will have cards of other
voters in possession. But I must say that so far major incidents
of card-snatching have not been reported to us though we have
ordered investigation into the few cases reported so far.
Question : How many polling booths will be opened for the
elections and will this be enough to conduct smooth and fair
elections in festive spirit ? Besides , what steps are being
taken to create awareness among voters about the new and special
EVMs ?
Ans :
Altogether 2391 polling booths will be opened for elections this
time. We have arrived at this figure after careful calculation
and assessment. For smoothly conducting elections we need 3000 EVMs but we already have 3600 in stock . At the moment our
assessment is that the number of polling booths is sufficient
because no booth will have more than 1600 voters for casting
ballots and it is for information of all that in the special
EVMs being used three voters can cast ballots in a minute .We
have already initiated a awareness programme to educate people
on how to vote in the special EVMs and demonstration is on in
many private places . Besides, voters in Tripura had cast
ballots through EVMs in the year 2003 also .
Question : It is common experience that serious communication
problems emerge on polling day between polling booths and
administrative centres . Considering this , are you making any
special arrangement for uninterrupted communication on the
polling day ?
Ans :
This time all polling booths will figure in a common statewide
network through landline telephone, Wirless Local Loop (WLL),
mobile telephony or wireless sets . There will be no polling
booth unconnected with the election department headquarter at
Agartala. In addition we will have free and authorised access to
the communication network of CRPF, BSF and police . The BSNL
authority have already been instructed to extend 600 special
mobile SIMs.
Question : : How soon can people know the results on the day of
counting ?
Ans :
Actually the process of counting will commence from 8-00 A.M. on
March 7 and there will be separate counting halls for all sixty
assembly constituencies-that is ballots recorded in an EVM will
be counted in a separate hall everywhere without being clubbed
with other constituencies of a subdivision or district . Since
the voting will be conducted on EVMs , not more than three hours
will be required for counting of the ballots of all sixty
constituencies . So we hope that the entire result will be
declared by 11-00 in the morning on the appointed day .
Question : : Is it true that a special method is being adopted
for deputing polling staff who will be on duty in polling booths
?
Ans :
Yes, this is the first time we will have recourse to a special
computer software for deputing polling staff on the basis of a
method known as special 'randomisation'. A special software is
being prepared in the NIC office at Agartala and it will help
correct selection of staff and their posting.
Question : There is a report that voters belonging to a
particular constituency will not be allowed to visit another
after February 21 when formal campaign for the polls ends . How
and why is it?
Ans :
Yes, shortly after the end of formal campaign police personnel
will go for intensive search operations in different places .
The listed criminals will be under special watch and the voters
will be expected to stay put in their own constituencies from a
day ahead of the polls. In case any voter has to visit another
constituency he must have his identity card with himself.
Moreover, police must be informed of the real reason with proof
why the voter has gone to a particular place outside his
constituency.
Question : This is your very first incumbency in the crucial and
sensitive post of chief electoral officer. No political party
has so far made any major allegation against the way you have
been discharging your duties and , moreover, all concerned seem
to be by and large happy over your performance . How do you
personally feel while discharging duties impartially from this
important post ?
Ans :
No, no this is not the first time I am in the election
department . Before this I have performed important roles at
least thirteen times in important works related to assembly and
loksabha elections . But it is true this is the first time I am
functioning as Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and it is
definitely a challenging job . More so , because I am entrusted
with the responsibility for conducting this election as 'Model
Election' as per directives of the Election Commission (EC). I
must say that all political parties have extended co-operation
to the activities of the election department and that is why we
have succeeded in bringing 99.9% of the electorate under
coverage of the photo-affixed identity cards, besides, deleting
names of so many dead , shifted and fake voters . We have made
this possible because of all-round co-operation from all parties
and I hope similar co-operation will be available on the day of
polling and counting of ballots . I am sure this 'Model Election
' in Tripura will be an example for the entire country.
|
