EC organises training for grassroot poll officials
The Election Commission of India on Wednesday (April 30, 2025) began a two-day capacity-building training programme for Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) from Bihar, and EROs and BLO supervisors from Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.
As many as 369 grassroots election officials will be taking part in the mixed-batch training programme, according to an official statement by the EC.
The training programme is part of the poll body's ongoing preparations for the coming Assembly polls in Bihar and other States, the statement said.
Earlier this month, around 280 Booth Level Agents (BLAs) from Bihar of 10 recognised political parties were also trained.
The BLOs and EROs along with the BLAs are responsible for ensuring correct and updated electoral rolls and they are to function strictly as per the Representation of the People Act, Registration of Electors Rules 1960 and instructions issued by the EC from time to time, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said in his address at the training.
Also Read | Indian election process acclaimed globally, says Election Commission
The training is designed to enhance participants' practical understanding, especially in the areas of voter registration, form handling, and field-level implementation of electoral procedures.
The curriculum includes interactive sessions, role plays simulating house-to-house surveys, case studies, and hands-on exercises for filling Forms 6, 6A, 7, and 8. Additionally, participants will receive practical training on the Voter Helpline App (VHA) and the BLO App.
Sessions are being conducted by experienced National Level Master Trainers (NLMTs) and expert resource persons from the IT and EVM Divisions of the commission. The sessions are interactive and will address common field-level errors and how to avoid them.
The officials will also be provided technical demonstrations and training of EVMs and VVPATs. The participants are also being familiarised with the provisions of first and second appeals against the final electoral rolls as published with the District Magistrate/District Collector/Executive Magistrate under Section 24(a) of the RP Act 1950 and Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the State/union territory under Section 24(b) respectively, a senior EC official said.
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