German model tents put up at 25 checkpoints in Shivamogga

MYSURU: In the last assembly elections, poor facilities provided to staff on duty at election checkpoints which play a key role in strict implementation of the Model Code of Conduct led to much criticism.
These checkpoints on all major roads and border areas function round the clock and all vehicles are inspected for different violations, including transport of cash, liquor, etc.There were complaints about substandard facilities. Now, to ensure that staff on duty in Shivamogga district don’t face any problems, tents based on a German model have been put up in all 25 checkpoints.
The staff there are provided all basic amenities, including drinking water, washroom, etc.
According to authorities, these structures were built this year following a few lessons from the 2018 state assembly elections. “During the assembly elections last year, staff at a few places complained about the problems they faced due to unscientific sheds. As checkpoints operate round the clock and staff need to be alert 24x7, it was decided to build better sheds. In several parts of Malnad and coastal areas, heavy rain is expected in April. These modern tents can provide protection from rain too,” an official said.
Deputy commissioner KA Dayananda said, “Across the district, these checkpoint sheds have uniform facilities like CCTV cameras, reflectors, torches, etc.”