Training for Gangtok district polling teams

GANGTOK, (IPR): The final third round of training for Presiding and Polling Officers-1 and the first and final round of training for Polling Officers 2 to 5 for the upcoming Panchayat Election 2022 were held at Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School here.

The day-long training process was overseen by the Assistant Returning Officer-cum-ADC Gangtok Tushar Nikhare, Girdhari Lal Meena, Assistant Collector-cum-officer trainee was also present.

A total of 150 groups were formed, including reserved groups for 130 Polling Stations. Five or six members were included in a group depending upon the contested wards and sensitivity of the poll area. On the first day, a total of 50 groups participated in the training.

Tushar Nikhare advised the officials to be mindful and attentive during the EVM demonstrations. He reiterated that the parameters of the machines must be checked thoroughly as per the checklist provided. He further encouraged the groups to clear their doubts and speculations throughout the training session.

A Power-Point presentation was displayed during the training session where Tushar Nikhare briefed the Presiding and Polling Officers about their roles, duties and necessary measures to be followed at the time of poll day.

The Presiding Officer and Polling Officer-1 imparted hands-on training on EVMs to their respective team members.

During the mock poll, the officials asked their team to take necessary steps in the sealing process and other procedures to be followed on the poll day. The officials also briefed them about all necessary details to be undertaken and advised them to ensure the clearing of mock polls before the proper sealing of EVMs.

Later, Returning Officer Ragul K took a tour of the training hall. He interacted with the Presiding and Polling Officers. He asked all the designated officers to be in touch with their respective Sector Magistrates as they will be the first ones to be contacted if any issue arises. He also informed that each polling station will have a separate Booth Level Official to assist with Presiding and Polling Officers in setting up the Polling Station.

The Returning Officer requested the Polling Officers to conduct a mock poll before the election process and to inform the Sector Magistrate and Control Room. He further asked the officials to seal and deposit all the machines safely at the collection centre, District Administrative Centre, Sichey.

Ragul K said it is a simultaneous election for Zilla and Gram Panchayats and some poll stations will have both Zilla and Gram Panchayat elections. The colour coding for Zilla is white whereas the colour coding for Gram Panchayats is blue, he added.

Lastly, the Returning Officer wished all the officials and hoped that with a good amount of training all the designated officials will be able to conduct the election smoothly.

The training will further continue till November 4.