Manipur: Polling personnel get EVM/VVPAT hands-on training

Our Correspondent

Imphal, March 14 (EMN):  Two-day ballot fest began on Thursday at the community hall of Tuibong about 65 km south of Imphal.

The programme is being organised by the District Election Officer (DEO), Churachandpur.

About 3000 personnel attended the briefing and awareness on EVM/VVPAT, cVigil, 1950 helpline and all the participants marked their attendance by casting votes on EVM-VVPAT.

Addressing the gathering, DEO Shyam Lal Poonia sensitised the personnel on new initiatives of Election Commission of India and the DEO Office towards free and fair elections.

He announced that a cash prize of INR 5000 will be given to best performing polling team in every assembly constituency after the election.

Stressing on the importance of understanding the functioning of EVM-VVPAT and hands-on training as much as possible, DEO informed that training of polling personnel will start from March 18 at Churachandpur Government College.

Appointment orders for all polling personnel will be distributed through the concerned heads of offices from tomorrow.

Deputy Commissioner Mannuamching encouraged the female polling personnel and appealed them to make the polling peaceful and incident free.

One hundred polling stations under Churachandpur and Saikot Assembly Constituency have been designated to be manned by all women polling personnel.

ADC S Thienlaljoy Gangte of Pherzawl and nodal officer (Training) demonstrated on various aspects of EVM and VVPAT and poll procedures.

A model mock poll station was also demonstrated inside the jam-packed hall where the participants underwent hands-on training in simulated conditions. The programme was also marked by competitions on EVM/VVPAT where the participants and winners were handed over cash prizes.

Sankalp Patras were signed by all the participants for free and fair conduct of election.

On the second day tomorrow, a volleyball competition among 16 teams comprising of polling personnel will be held.

Painting competition will be also organised for young voters and students on “Ethical Voting” at the same venue.