According to National Informatics Centre district information officer Sanjay Sharma, ``The software can now be linked to any number of proxy clients (computers) through proxy servers throughout the district and independently download text and picture files.''

According to collectorate officials, this was a great leap forward from the last elections, when the telephone was the sole source of all information regarding the polls. Till Monday morning, the Collectorate could download only text files.

District Collector Anil Mukim said the new system would greatly facilitate the transfer of text and picture files to and from Gandhinagar and New Delhi.

Meanwhile, 24 hours before the polls were notified, routine election arrangements were discussed at a meeting attended by senior Collectorate and police officials and BJP and CPI representatives.

Mukim said representatives of the political parties were apprised of various instructions of the CEC, besides the code of conduct. The representatives had promised to cooperate for smooth and fair polls, Mukim said, adding that they had also been told to procure Censor Board certificates before screening video cassettes or film reels on electioneering.

He said special efforts were being made to procure transport for officials on election duty in the remote areas of Chhotaudepur and Kwant talukas. ``There are about 50 villages which can be accessed only after walking five or 10 km'', he said.

Novel campaign
District Collector Anil Mukim is reportedly planning a voters' awareness campaign to encourage the electorate cast their votes without fear or prejudice. To be launched in two weeks, the campaign, which will include street plays, is likely to involve non-governmental and university officials.