Election commission launches first-ever training program for over 1 lakh booth level officers

New Delhi, Mar 26: The Election Commission (EC) has commenced its first-ever large-scale training program for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) at the India International Institute of Democracy & Election Management (IIIDEM), New Delhi. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioner Dr Vivek Joshi, inaugurated the program, which will train over 1 lakh BLOs over the next few years, ensuring a stronger and more efficient electoral framework nationwide.

The training, designed to equip BLOs with critical skills, will be conducted in phases, prioritising poll-bound states. Currently, 109 BLOs from Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam, along with 24 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and 13 District Election Officers (DEOs) from Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu, are participating in a two-day residential session.

BLOs serve as the primary interface between India’s nearly 100 crore electors and the Election Commission.

The program aims to familiarise them with their roles and responsibilities under the Representation of the People (RP) Act, 1950, the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, and other key directives issued by the Commission. Participants will receive hands-on training in filling electoral forms accurately to maintain error-free electoral rolls and will also be introduced to IT applications designed to streamline their duties. Acknowledging the crucial role of BLOs and EROs, CEC Gyanesh Kumar emphasised the need for state governments to appoint Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) level or equivalent officers as EROs.

He highlighted that BLOs should be chosen based on seniority and should be residents of the polling stations they oversee. Reiterating the constitutional and legal framework governing voter registration, the CEC highlighted that only Indian citizens above 18 years of age and ordinarily residing in a constituency can be listed as electors, as per Article 326 of the Constitution and Section 20 of the RP Act, 1950. He urged Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), DEOs, and EROs to conduct all-party meetings to address jurisdictional issues and ensure accurate electoral roll updates. Additionally, he warned that any complaints against BLOs or EROs would be dealt with strictly. The CEC also emphasised the importance of BLOs maintaining a courteous approach during house-to-house verifications. He reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to India’s electorate, ensuring fair and transparent elections.