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Bhubaneswar: With the upcoming general elections barely a year away, the State Election Commission has started its preparations by asking district collectors to submit estimates regarding expenses for the polls.
Confirming the development, Chief Electoral Officer of Odisha, Surendra Kumar on Monday informed that it is a routine process which needs to be undertaken at proper time to ensure smooth conduct of the upcoming elections in the State.
As per the instruction of the Election Commission of India (ECI), the process to set up strong rooms in all the districts has also started.
Kumar further said: "The district collectors have also been directed to submit poll expenses estimates, including infrastructure requirements and transportation of polling parties in their respective areas."
VVPATs will be used during the polls in as many as 36 thousand booths in the State, informed the official.
Besides, the election commission has requested the State works department to allot godowns for the safekeeping of EVMs and VVPATs.
While Rs 110 crore was reportedly the poll expenses in 2014 general elections, the estimated expenditure in the next elections has been pegged up at Rs 200 crore.
