Northeast Desk, 21st May: The first day of the second round of training for Counting Supervisors, Counting Assistants, and Micro-Observers for the upcoming General Elections 2024 concluded successfully at the Conference Hall of DAC Gangtok. The training session, aimed at ensuring smooth and efficient counting processes, was attended by 116 officials.
Mr. Sonam Wongyal Lepcha, District Planning Officer Gangtok-cum-Nodal Officer for the Training Management Team, along with State Level Master Trainers Mr. Jigme Wangchuk Bhutia and Mr. Sunny Kharel, led the comprehensive training program. In his welcome address, Mr. Lepcha provided an overview of the training objectives, regulations for counting officials, and norms set by the Election Commission of India (ECI). He also outlined the logistics for counting day, including timing and transportation arrangements.
Mr. Jigme Wangchuk Bhutia’s session included a detailed PowerPoint presentation on the duties of staff at the counting tables. He explained the inspection and unsealing of Control Units (CUs), handling special cases related to CUs, and the procedure for managing VVPAT slips. His presentation featured a live demonstration on filling out Form 17C- Part 2 and Annexure-A concerning VVPAT slips, ensuring trainees were well-versed in the documentation process. The roles of Micro Observers and Additional Micro Observers were also thoroughly covered.
Mr. Sunny Kharel focused on practical aspects, urging officials to plan ahead for potential issues such as traffic congestion, security checks, and meal timings to maintain punctuality. His presentation highlighted the importance of vote secrecy and neutrality, the layout of counting tables for EVM, Postal Ballot, and ETBP, and the scrutiny and tabulation procedures for postal ballots. An interactive session followed, allowing officials to address any concerns.
The theoretical sessions were complemented by hands-on training, providing counting officials with practical experience. This immersive approach ensured participants were well-prepared for the counting day. The training concluded with a renewed sense of preparedness and clarity among the officials, setting a solid foundation for efficiently handling the General Elections 2024 counting process in Gangtok district.
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