What Steps is ECI Taking for Bihar Polls Training?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Comprehensive training for election officials is crucial for smooth elections.
- Virtual training ensures accessibility for all officials.
- Real-time data collection via ECINet enhances transparency.
- Emphasis on procedural knowledge strengthens electoral integrity.
- Continuous support from National Level Master Trainers is essential.
New Delhi, Oct 10 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched an extensive online training and evaluation initiative for Returning Officers (ROs) and Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) designated for the forthcoming Bihar Legislative Assembly elections and bye-elections, as announced on Friday.
The training sessions took place on October 9 and 10, 2025, featuring a detailed doubt-clearing module aimed at the nomination process, thereby ensuring that all officers are thoroughly familiar with the procedural guidelines ahead of this critical electoral undertaking.
The ECI reported that a total of 243 Returning Officers and 1,418 Assistant Returning Officers engaged in the virtual training.
In accordance with Section 21 in conjunction with Section 24 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the ECI appoints ROs for each constituency to oversee the electoral process per legal requirements.
“The ROs and AROs operate under the control, superintendence, and discipline of the Commission throughout the designated period,” stated the poll panel in their press release.
“The online assessment and doubt-clearing sessions will comprehensively cover all aspects of election conduct, including the nomination process, qualifications and disqualifications, Model Code of Conduct (MCC), withdrawal of candidacies, symbol allocation, polling-day arrangements, and vote counting,” it continued.
Additionally, National Level Master Trainers will address all concerns raised by election officers to guarantee complete clarity in the enforcement of regulations and smooth execution of the polls.
As part of a significant digital initiative, the Commission also conducted a separate briefing for the Chief Electoral Officer, District Election Officers, and ROs regarding the Presiding Officer Module of the ECINet system.
“ECI also facilitated an online briefing session for the CEO, all DEOs, and ROs on the Presiding Officer module of ECINET, which is being progressively implemented,” they stated.
“With this module, the Presiding Officers will upload voter turnout statistics via the ECINet App every two hours and at the end of polling. This data will be automatically compiled at the RO level to provide near real-time approximate voting trends,” it added.
The poll panel plans to conduct a trial run of the Presiding Officers application at all polling stations prior to the elections.
These sessions are in addition to the training organized by respective Chief Electoral Officers in their designated States/UTs.