DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
POONCH, Sept 2
A comprehensive training and orientation programme was hosted today for polling staff here at three separate locations in Poonch, Surankote and Mendhar assembly constituencies. The programme aimed to prepare the officers for their crucial role in the upcoming 2024 Assembly elections.
During the sessions, officers were thoroughly briefed on their pivotal responsibilities in the forthcoming parliamentary elections. District-level and Assembly Level master Trainers conducted detailed sessions on vulnerability mapping, providing the officers with essential skills and insights specific to the unique challenges of Poonch district, particularly in border areas.
The officials and polling parties underwent intensive training on the operation and handling of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems.
The training sessions, organized by the district election authority, were aimed at ensuring smooth, transparent, and error-free elections. The training program was conducted under the supervision of senior electoral officers who provided detailed demonstrations on the setup, operation, and troubleshooting of EVMs and VVPATs. Participants include presiding officers, polling officers, and other key personnel who will be directly involved in the election process.
Vikas Kundal, DEO Poonch, emphasized the importance of training, stating, “The accuracy and integrity of the electoral process are paramount. Through these training sessions, we are equipping our officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle the EVMs and VVPATs effectively.
This will ensure that the voting process is conducted smoothly and that voters’ confidence in the electoral system is upheld.”
The training also covered crucial aspects such as the proper sealing of EVMs after polling, handling of VVPAT slips, and measures to be taken in case of technical issues during the voting process. Mock polling exercises were conducted to give participants hands-on experience in operating the machines and managing real-time scenarios.
