What Capacity-Building Programme Did ECI Launch for Field-Level Officers from Bihar, Haryana, and Delhi?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Election Commission of India has initiated a comprehensive training programme to empower field-level electoral officers from Bihar, Haryana, and Delhi. This initiative not only enhances their understanding of electoral laws but also prepares them to train others, amplifying the impact on voter registration and electoral integrity.
Key Takeaways
- Importance of Compliance: Adherence to electoral laws is crucial for effective electoral management.
- Hands-on Training: Practical exercises and sessions enhance learning outcomes for participants.
- Empowerment of Officials: Training prepares officers to train others, creating a ripple effect in electoral management.
- Modern Tools: Familiarity with IT tools like the Voter Helpline App is essential for modern electoral processes.
- Strengthening Democracy: Such initiatives play a significant role in reinforcing the integrity of the electoral system.
New Delhi, May 14 (NationPress) Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on Wednesday launched a two-day capacity-building training programme aimed at Booth Level Officers (BLOs), BLO Supervisors, and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) from Haryana and the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
This training is taking place at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) located in New Delhi.
A total of 371 grassroots electoral officials are involved in this initiative, which includes 306 BLOs from Bihar, 30 EROs and BLO Supervisors from Haryana, and 35 from Delhi.
With this cohort, over 2,600 field-level officials have been trained by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in the previous two months in New Delhi.
During his address, the CEC revealed that standardized identity cards are soon to be issued to BLOs to aid in their door-to-door verification tasks. He further noted that those participating in this training will subsequently train other BLOs in their respective states and union territories.
Highlighting the importance of compliance with electoral laws, the CEC reminded attendees that their duties must be performed strictly adhering to the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, and the directives issued by the Commission at various times.
The purpose of this training programme is to enhance the participants' practical understanding of electoral procedures, especially in voter registration, form management, and field-level functions.
The curriculum includes guidance on the appeal processes under Section 24 of the RP Act, 1950, which involves first appeals directed to the District Magistrate/Collector or Executive Magistrate under Section 24(a), and subsequent appeals to the Chief Electoral Officer under Section 24(b).
It is noteworthy that no appeals were lodged from Bihar, Haryana, or Delhi following the Special Summary Revision (SSR) exercise conducted from January 6 to 10 this year.
The training features interactive components, role-playing, simulated door-to-door surveys, case studies, and practical exercises for Forms 6, 7, and 8.
Participants will also receive hands-on training with the Voter Helpline App (VHA) and other IT tools. Technical sessions on the operation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs), including mock polls, are integral to the programme.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the proactive measures being taken by the Election Commission of India to empower field-level officials. The capacity-building programme is a significant step towards facilitating better electoral processes, ensuring adherence to laws, and enhancing voter engagement across states.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the capacity-building programme?
The programme aims to enhance the practical understanding of electoral procedures among field-level officers, focusing on voter registration, form handling, and field operations.
Who are the participants of this training?
The training includes Booth Level Officers, BLO Supervisors, and Electoral Registration Officers from Bihar, Haryana, and Delhi.
How many officials have been trained so far?
Over 2,600 field-level officials have been trained by the Election Commission in the past two months.
What are the new initiatives introduced in this training?
The training will include the issuance of standardized identity cards for BLOs and practical training on the Voter Helpline App and Electronic Voting Machines.
Were there any appeals filed in the recent Special Summary Revision?
No appeals were filed from Bihar, Haryana, or Delhi following the Special Summary Revision conducted from January 6 to 10 this year.
