In a crucial move to bolster the readiness of field officers ahead of the upcoming General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has organized a two-day capacity-building training programme for Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Booth Level Officers (BLOs). Held at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) in New Delhi, this programme focuses on empowering key electoral personnel from multiple states, including Bihar, Haryana, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. A total of 369 grassroots election officials are participating in this mixed-batch training session, designed to sharpen their skills and ensure efficient execution of election procedures.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, Shri Gyanesh Kumar, who emphasized the critical role that EROs, BLOs, and Booth Level Agents (BLAs) play in ensuring accurate and up-to-date electoral rolls. According to CEC Gyanesh Kumar, these officials must adhere strictly to the guidelines laid out under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. The focus of the training is to strengthen the field-level operations of the election process, ensuring transparency and efficiency in voter registration, form handling, and the implementation of electoral procedures.
In his address, CEC Gyanesh Kumar stressed that a clean and comprehensive electoral roll is essential for conducting free and fair elections. He praised the efforts of Bihar, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, noting that no appeals had been filed from these states after the Special Summary Revision (SSR) exercise concluded in January 2025, signaling an effective and smooth electoral roll revision process. This achievement underscores the importance of continual training and awareness for election officials at every level.
The training programme offers practical insights into voter registration, handling forms, and managing field-level operations. Participants are being familiarized with the Voter Helpline App (VHA) and the BLO App, both essential tools in streamlining election-related queries and data management. A significant component of the programme is dedicated to hands-on demonstrations, including training on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs), ensuring officials are well-versed with the latest technology used in modern-day elections.
Additionally, the training employs interactive methods such as role-playing, house-to-house survey simulations, and case study analyses to provide a comprehensive understanding of election processes. Experienced National Level Master Trainers (NLMTs) and expert Resource Persons from the IT and EVM Divisions of the Election Commission are facilitating these sessions, ensuring that the officials are equipped to address common field-level errors and challenges.
The Election Commission’s commitment to capacity building ensures that electoral processes remain transparent, efficient, and accessible. By enhancing the skills of BLOs, EROs, and other key personnel, the ECI is ensuring that every election, no matter how large or small, is conducted with the utmost integrity and in full compliance with the law.
As the nation looks forward to the upcoming elections, the rigorous training provided by the Election Commission will play a pivotal role in maintaining the trust of the electorate and ensuring that the democratic process remains untainted. The collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved, from the grassroots level to the highest echelons of the Commission, are a testament to India’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding democracy.(PR)