New Delhi: In a significant step towards strengthening India’s democratic processes at the grassroots level, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched a comprehensive capacity-building programme for field-level electoral officers. The two-day training session was inaugurated on May 14, 2025, by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Shri Gyanesh Kumar at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), New Delhi. This initiative targets Booth Level Officers (BLOs), BLO Supervisors, and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) from the states of Bihar, Haryana, and the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.
Comprehensive Training for 371 Field Officials
The training programme has brought together 371 participants, including:
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306 BLOs from Bihar
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30 EROs and BLO Supervisors from Haryana
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35 EROs and BLO Supervisors from NCT of Delhi
This latest batch adds to the over 2,600 field officials trained by the ECI in the past two months, showcasing the Commission’s commitment to building a robust and efficient electoral framework through sustained human resource development.
Standard Identity Cards and Legal Compliance
In his address, CEC Shri Gyanesh Kumar emphasized the professional responsibilities of the field-level officers. He announced that standard Identity Cards would soon be issued to BLOs to facilitate their door-to-door verification duties. Furthermore, the CEC highlighted that all officers are to function in strict adherence to the Representation of the People Act, 1950, Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, and the guidelines issued by the ECI.
Importantly, these trained officials are expected to train other BLOs in their respective states and union territories, thereby cascading the knowledge and standardizing electoral procedures.
Focus on Voter Registration and Legal Provisions
The core objective of the training is to enhance practical skills in critical areas such as:
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Voter registration
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Handling electoral forms (Form 6, 7, and 8)
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Understanding field-level procedures
Additionally, officers are being made aware of legal provisions concerning first and second appeals under Section 24 of the RP Act, 1950:
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Appeals to District Magistrate/Executive Magistrate under Section 24(a)
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Appeals to Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) under Section 24(b)
It is noteworthy that during the Special Summary Revision (SSR) conducted from 6th to 10th January 2025, no appeals were filed from Bihar, Haryana, or Delhi, indicating a potentially higher level of procedural compliance and awareness in these regions.
Interactive Curriculum and Hands-on Tools
The curriculum has been designed to be interactive and practical, incorporating:
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Role plays and case studies
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Simulated house-to-house surveys
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Hands-on exercises for filling voter registration forms
Moreover, the participants are receiving practical training in:
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Voter Helpline App (VHA)
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IT tools
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Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs)
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Mock polls and technical demonstrations
These modules aim to bridge theoretical knowledge with ground-level implementation, ensuring election officials are fully equipped to handle their responsibilities with confidence and precision.
Conclusion
The Election Commission’s ongoing capacity-building initiative reflects its dedication to creating a well-informed, skilled, and accountable election workforce. As India continues to uphold the world’s largest democratic exercise, such programmes reinforce the transparency, integrity, and efficiency of electoral processes. By empowering grassroots officers with the right tools, knowledge, and legal understanding, the ECI is ensuring that every vote is respected, and every process is carried out in line with constitutional principles.
For more details, check the Press Release here.
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