Training for presiding and first polling officers begins ahead of Ghatshila By-election

Jamshedpur: The first phase of the two-day training for Presiding Officers and First Polling Officers commenced on Saturday at Jamshedpur Women’s University, as part of the preparations for the Ghatshila Assembly By-election 2025. The training aims to ensure free, fair, and transparent conduct of the electoral process.

On the opening day, District Election Officer (DEO) and Deputy Commissioner,  Karn Satyarthi, inspected the training sessions and interacted with the trainees. The training covered key aspects of election management, including the operation of EVMs and VVPATs, pre- and post-poll procedures, use of statutory forms, and proper arrangements at polling stations.

Addressing the participants,  Satyarthi emphasized that polling personnel are the most crucial link in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. “On polling day, your duty is not only to conduct voting but also to uphold the dignity of democracy,” he said. He added that the Presiding Officer’s efficiency, impartiality, and vigilance play a decisive role in ensuring free and fair elections.

The DEO underscored the importance of understanding every rule and procedure related to polling to handle any situation confidently. He also interacted with First Polling Officers, highlighting their key responsibilities such as voter identification, fingerprint verification, and maintaining voter lists. They were informed that in the absence of the Presiding Officer, the First Polling Officer must be prepared to take charge.

Satyarthi further informed that webcasting will be installed at all polling stations to ensure real-time monitoring. He made it clear that volunteers would assist only in supportive roles and would not enter the voting compartment to maintain voter privacy.

He urged polling officials not to panic under any circumstances, assuring them of full support from Sector Magistrates, Zonal Magistrates, and Election Officers during the polling process. He also instructed officers to understand every directive carefully, clarify any doubts during the training, and strictly adhere to the Election Commission’s guidelines on polling day.

Present during the training were Special Allocation Officer  Rahul Anand, Officer-in-Charge (Training Cell)  Sachidanand Mahato, Assistant In-charge Officer Dr. Rajnikant Mishra, Assistant Director (Social Security)  Neha Sanjana Khalkho, and several other senior officials.

The second phase of training will continue on Sunday, focusing on polling teams for the remaining categories of officers.