TFP Bureau, Raipur; May 28, 2024: Chief Electoral Officer Mrs. Reena Babasaheb Kangale emphasized the pivotal role of counting observers in the election process during a training program held at the new rest house in Raipur. Highlighting the significance of vote counting as the final stage of elections, Mrs. Kangale underscored the importance of observers’ impartiality and comprehensive understanding of the counting process.
The training session aimed to equip 56 officers from Chhattisgarh, appointed as counting observers by the Election Commission of India for the Lok Sabha General Election 2024 vote counting on June 4, with the necessary knowledge and skills. This cohort includes 20 officers from the Indian Administrative Service and 36 officers from the State Administrative Service.
Master Trainers Shri U.S. Aggarwal, Shri Vinay Aggarwal, and Shri Rupesh Kumar Verma provided detailed insights into the various aspects of observer roles, including overseeing the counting of Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballots (ETPBs) and postal ballots, as well as the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Practical demonstrations, such as operating EVMs, were conducted to ensure officers were fully prepared for their responsibilities.
The training covered essential topics such as table arrangements, seating arrangements for candidates and their representatives, allocation of counting agents, and precautionary measures to be observed during the counting process. Additional Chief Electoral Officer Shri Nileshkumar Mahadev Kshirsagar and senior officials from the Chief Electoral Officer’s office were also present during the training program, emphasizing the commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections in Chhattisgarh.
