More Than 1 Lakh BLOs to Receive Training Across the Country
ECI Launches First-Ever Nationwide Training Program for Over 1 Lakh BLOs
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated its first-ever comprehensive training program for over 1 lakh Booth Level Officers (BLOs) at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) in New Delhi. The inaugural two-day residential session includes BLOs from Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam, aimed at enhancing their electoral management skills and ensuring accurate voter roll updates.
The training, which will be conducted in multiple phases, initially prioritizes poll-bound states. BLOs will receive in-depth guidance on their responsibilities under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. They will also be trained in filling voter registration forms, handling electoral roll corrections, and utilizing IT applications designed for election processes.
The first batch includes 109 BLOs from Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam, alongside 24 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and 13 District Election Officers (DEOs) from various states. Over time, the initiative will train 1 lakh BLOs, each overseeing approximately 10 polling stations.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioner Dr. Vivek Joshi inaugurated the program, emphasizing the crucial role BLOs play in maintaining updated and error-free electoral rolls. The trained officers will serve as Assembly Level Master Trainers (ALMTs) to strengthen the BLO network nationwide.
CEC Kumar stressed the importance of appointing experienced state government officials as EROs, preferably at the SDM level, and ensuring that BLOs reside within their assigned polling areas. He reiterated that only Indian citizens aged 18 and above, who ordinarily reside in the constituency, are eligible for voter registration, in accordance with Article 326 of the Constitution and Section 20 of the RP Act, 1950.
The CEC also directed CEOs, DEOs, and EROs to hold all-party meetings to address electoral concerns and ensure proper roll updates. He assured that any complaints against EROs or BLOs would be promptly investigated. Additionally, he urged BLOs to maintain professionalism and courtesy during house-to-house verifications, reaffirming the ECI’s commitment to protecting the rights of over 100 crore Indian voters.
