Digboi: With the Assam Legislative Assembly elections approaching, the Tinsukia district administration has intensified preparations, with a focus on ensuring inclusive and efficient polling across its geographically diverse terrain.
Guided by the Election Commission of India’s principle of “No Voter to be Left Behind”, the district, under the leadership of District Election Officer Sumit Sattawan, has put in place a multi-layered management framework to streamline operations from the grassroots to the district level.
The district has been divided into zones and sectors, with 37 Zonal Officers and 125 Sector Officers overseeing field-level coordination. A total of 1,281 Presiding Officers and 3,843 Polling Officers have been deployed, supported by Micro Observers, to ensure smooth conduct of polling and counting.
Tinsukia’s varied terrain—from the riverine areas of Sadiya to the coal belt of Margherita, poses logistical challenges. Polling teams will be required to cross rivers, use ferry routes and undertake long journeys on foot to reach remote locations, often carrying Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and other materials under strict timelines.
Officials said detailed route planning, sector-level coordination and contingency measures have been put in place to address these challenges and ensure timely deployment.
To assess preparedness, Sumit Sattawan, along with Election Officer Mayurakhi Dutta, conducted field visits to remote polling stations, including areas requiring river crossings. These visits helped identify gaps in accessibility and operational constraints, allowing for course correction based on ground inputs.
Polling in the state is scheduled for April 9, with counting on May 4. In Tinsukia district, over 10 lakh voters are expected to cast their votes across 1,281 polling stations in six Assembly constituencies—Sadiya, Doomdooma, Margherita, Digboi, Makum and Tinsukia.
Of these, 205 polling stations have been identified as critical, necessitating enhanced security and monitoring arrangements.
The administration has also emphasised inclusivity, with 300 polling stations to be managed entirely by women. A round the clock control room has been set up, while the voter helpline 1950 is operational to address queries and grievances.
Officials said the arrangements aim to ensure that the electoral process remains accessible, secure and transparent across the district.