Agatha pushes ECI for measures to ensure safety of polling parties

NEW DELHI, March 8: With the dust of elections settling down on Meghalaya, Tura MP Agatha Sangma on Wednesday urged the Election Commission of India to bring some changes in arrangements of duties and their mode of transport in view of the unfortunate death of a polling official in the state in a road accident.
The car allotted to the ill-fated officer Chesan Marak by the election commission was in a deplorable condition and released for travel at odd hours of 3 am after hours. The polling party led by the officer had to start at a distant polling station while it was still dark, the MP of Tura said.
In future, the EC should allow use of own vehicles by the officers with fuel allowances to prevent such grave mishaps. Alternatively, it can requisition vehicles in good conditions, especially in the hilly regions, she said. The polling officials led by Chesan Marak were on their way to Photamati in West Garo Hills when their vehicle overturned on the road, leaving the occupants with serious facial and head injuries. While the injured recovered later the officer leading the team expired.
Chief Electoral Officer of Meghalaya FR Kharkongor had described the officer as a keen and dedicated worker and a flag-bearer of democracy.
The Election department is extending an ex-gratia compensation of rupees fifteen lakhs which will be paid to the next of kin of the official.