Electoral expert from Bokaro, Jharkhand, conducted key sessions during the 13th BLO training programme organised by the Election Commission of India at IIIDEM, New Delhi. He trained officers from five states on house-to-house surveys, voter forms, and digital tools like the VHA and BLO App to strengthen grassroots electoral management.
The Election Commission of India (ECI), in collaboration with the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), has begun the 13th round of training for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and Supervisors. The two-day training, held on June 23 and 24 at the IIIDEM campus in Sector 13, Dwarka, is aimed at enhancing field-level electoral efficiency across five states.
Five-State Participation for Grassroots Electoral Training
BLOs and supervisors from Chandigarh, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Uttar Pradesh are attending the programme. The sessions focus on strengthening skills in voter registration, form management, and citizen outreach to ensure error-free and transparent electoral roll maintenance.
Morning Yoga and Address by Chief Election Commissioner
The training began with a morning yoga session to promote focus and discipline. This was followed by formal reporting, a welcome ceremony, and an address by the Chief Election Commissioner, who motivated BLOs to carry out their responsibilities with dedication and precision.
Prabhas Dutta from Bokaro in Technical Training
A highlight of the training was the participation of Prabhas Dutta, an electoral expert from Bokaro, Jharkhand. He led core technical sessions, acquainting participants with the duties of BLOs, particularly the process and formalities of house-to-house surveys. Dutta also introduced participants to official scripts and notices used in field operations.
Focus on Electoral Forms and Digital Tools
Dutta conducted detailed training on correctly filling Forms 6, 6A, 7, and 8, using practical scenarios and field case studies. He also led sessions on the Voter Helpline App (VHA) and BLO App, enabling officers to perform digital data entry, verification, and corrections efficiently.
Role Play, Assessments, and Error Review
Participants engaged in group activities, including role plays simulating real voter interactions and form-filling exercises. Forms were reviewed collectively, with Dutta explaining common errors and guiding BLOs on how to avoid them in field conditions.
Strengthening Electoral Readiness at the Grassroots
With his hands-on experience and field knowledge, Prabhas Dutta’s sessions left a strong impact. His guidance is expected to boost the confidence and preparedness of BLOs ahead of future electoral exercises.