The North Dinajpur district administration has decided to provide bedrolls and two kits of hygienic and medicinal items each to over 10,000 polling personnel who will be posted at 2,076 booths.

“In the past, government employees in charge of polling booths would carry mattresses, medicines and other miscellaneous items from home. This time, the administration will give them such items,” said Arvind Mina, the district magistrate of North Dinajpur.

According to sources in the administration, each polling employee will get a bedroll that would have a bedsheet, a “dhokra” (rugged blanket), a pillow and a mosquito-net.

“Polling personnel will also be given a hygienic kit that will have a handwash, soap, oil and shampoo. A separate medical kit will also be provided to them. It will have basic medicines, bandages, cotton and band aid. We don’t want the officials to face inconveniences at booths. Inspection of all booths has been completed and water, toilet and other facilities are ensured on the premises,” said an official.

Further, the administration has issued an instruction to all government and private health establishments to set aside two beds each for polling staff in need of emergency medical care.

“A directive was also given to ensure the availability of doctors,” the DM said.

In another move, the district administration has decided to use separate colour codes for each blocks for easy identification of counters, vehicles and items to be used at the polling booths.

“Even duty slips for the polling staffers are of different colours. An employee reaching the DCRC (the centre for distribution and collection of items required for votes) can identify his counter by checking the colour. Flags of colours concerned will be kept in vehicles which will carry the officials to their booths,” said the DM.

After the voting is over, the polling personnel will return to the DCRC to deposit EVMs and other items and will be offered welcome drinks and chocolate.

“We are also making elaborate transport arrangements to ensure that all of them return home after their duties without any problem,” added Mina.