Jammu, Dec 11: State Election Commissioner, KK Sharma, on Friday chaired a meeting of officers to review preparations for counting of District Development Council (DDC) and Panchayat by-polls to be held on December 22, 2020.

Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Sanjeev Verma and Deputy Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, Secretary State Election Commission, Anil Salgotra and other officers participated in the meeting held via video conferencing.

The meeting discussed arrangements including manpower for counting of votes for the DDC and Panchayat by-polls which would be held on December 22 from 9 am.

SEC received requisite feedback from all the Deputy Commissioners regarding the arrangements put in place, so far, for the counting day. He directed the concerned DCs to make elaborative arrangements available at all the counting halls along with the requisite staff.

While discussing necessary protocols required to be implemented for COVID-19, SEC asked the DCs to ensure that these preventive measures are being strictly adhered to. He asked for undertaking necessary randomization of staff and the agents of contesting candidates so that social distancing is maintained with minimum possible gathering at the counting centers set up by the concerned districts.