The civic machinery is all set for its biggest test, i.e. the voting for the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) scheduled on Thursday from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm. The election exercise will be held at 3,004 booths spread across length and breadth of the city. About 24,83,112 voters are eligible to cast their votes while around 993 candidates are in fray in 151 seats. There is general excitement among citizens as they will cast votes to elect new corporators after a gap of over 8 years. Further, there is a change in the way citizens will cast their votes. They have to press EVM buttons 4 times for each of the Prabhag, and three only in Prabhag No. 38. The elections to NMC, the first of the 3-tier Governance system, assumes much importance.

 

 

Meanwhile, NMC administration is all set for smooth conduct of voting. About 504 buses will be utlised for transportation of polling staff and material to 3,004 booths located in 964 buildings. About 3,579 polling station in-charges are appointed for the election and 10,737 overall staff is going to be on duty on January 15. Besides 244 zonal officers will keep watch on the election process. Each of the booths will have one constable and a homeguard. The administration has identified 321 booths as sensitive and special bandboast will be maintained at these centres.