ECI Initiates Training for Booth-Level Agents Ahead of Bihar Elections

Key Takeaways

Training for booth-level agents by ECI
Focus on electoral roll preparation
280 BLAs from Bihar participating
Importance of accurate electoral rolls
Training includes legal provisions and appeals

New Delhi, April 16 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated the training of political party representatives and the appointed booth-level agents (BLAs) on Wednesday. This program focuses on the processes involved in electoral roll preparation and the protocols for filing claims and objections.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alongside Election Commissioners Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr Vivek Joshi, addressed the BLAs during the training session.

This initiative is particularly important as it precedes the upcoming Assembly elections in Bihar, scheduled for later this year.

Approximately 280 BLAs from the state, representing 10 recognized political parties, are participating in a two-day training course held at the India International Institute for Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) located in the national capital.

The participants received a comprehensive overview of their appointments, roles, and responsibilities as outlined by the legal framework. The training equipped them with knowledge about various aspects of the electoral process, including the preparation, updating, and revision of electoral rolls, as well as the associated forms and formats.

Additionally, the BLAs were trained on utilizing the provisions for first and second appeals under sections 24(a) and 24(b) of the RP Act 1950 in cases where they may be dissatisfied with the final published electoral rolls.

This training initiative was conceptualized during the Chief Electoral Officers (CEO) conference that took place on March 4.

The Commission emphasized the critical role of BLAs in the electoral process and stressed that this training would enhance their capability to fulfill their duties as specified in the Representation of People Act 1950 and 1951, Registration of Elector Rules 1960, and Conduct of Election Rules 1961, along with the various manuals, guidelines, and directives issued by the ECI over time.

Recognized political parties appoint the BLAs, who are essential in ensuring the accuracy of electoral rolls.

This two-day training will provide them with a foundational understanding of electoral processes and inform them of best practices for executing their responsibilities at the grassroots level.