Pune, 18 December 2025: With the Model Code of Conduct coming into force for the Pune Municipal Corporation elections, Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram has directed all election-related officials to exercise strict vigilance and ensure that no violations take place under any circumstances.
He warned that any breach of the code should be dealt with immediately through strict action, including the registration of offences.
The commissioner reviewed the election preparedness of the civic administration during a meeting held on Wednesday. Senior officials, including Additional Commissioner Omprakash Divte, Deputy Commissioner of the Election Department Prasad Katkar, election officers, assistant election officers and heads of various departments, were present.
Ram stressed that the entire election process must be conducted in a neutral, transparent and lawful manner, strictly following the directives of the State Election Commission. He instructed officials to take swift action against unauthorised hoardings, banners, posters and encroachments, and to prioritise maintaining cleanliness and order across the city.
He further directed officials to inspect polling stations in advance and ensure all basic facilities are in place. Special care should be taken to make voting easier for persons with disabilities, women and senior citizens, with priority given to setting up polling booths on the ground floor wherever possible.
The commissioner also emphasised the need for accurate verification of voter lists, timely availability of election-related information and forms for candidates, and immediate functioning of election officers’ offices. Adequate stationery and essential materials for election work must be arranged without delay, he said.
He instructed all election officers and department heads to maintain close coordination and to promptly report any issues to the city election authorities or the municipal commissioner. Proper planning for systematic distribution of voter slips was also highlighted to ensure a smooth polling process.