Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioner Dr Vivek Joshi, inaugurated the first-ever nationwide training program for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) at the India International Institute of Democracy & Election Management (IIIDEM) in New Delhi. Over the next few years, more than 100,000 BLOs, averaging one per 10 polling stations, will undergo training to strengthen the electoral network. These trained BLOs will serve as Assembly Level Master Trainers (ALMTs), enhancing the capabilities of BLOs across the country, who serve as the primary link between the Election Commission and 100 crore electors. 

The training initiative will roll out in phases, beginning with poll-bound states. Currently, 109 BLOs from Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam are participating in a two-day residential training program, alongside 24 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and 13 District Election Officers (DEOs) from Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, and Tamil Nadu. 

The program will focus on familiarising BLOs with their roles and responsibilities under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, and guidelines issued by the Election Commission. Training will cover the correct process for electoral roll updation, including filling relevant forms, ensuring accuracy, and using IT applications to streamline their tasks. 

BLOs are State Government officials appointed by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) with approval from District Election Officers (DEOs). Emphasising their role, CEC Shri Gyanesh Kumar urged state governments to appoint SDM-level or equivalent officers as EROs, ensuring they carefully select BLOs based on seniority and residency within their assigned polling station areas. 

Highlighting the constitutional framework, he reiterated that only Indian citizens above 18 years of age who are ordinarily residents of a constituency can be registered as electors under Article 326 of the Constitution and Section 20 of the RP Act, 1950. He also directed Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), DEOs, and EROs to hold all-party meetings to resolve electoral roll-related concerns. Any complaints against EROs or BLOs will be strictly addressed, and BLOs must maintain courtesy and professionalism during house-to-house verification. 

The Election Commission remains committed to ensuring a transparent and accurate electoral process, standing firm in its dedication to nearly 100 crore electors across the country. 

(PIB)