PNS | DEHRADUN
A comprehensive training programme for presiding officers assigned to the urban local body elections was conducted in two shifts here on Monday. The Dehradun district magistrate and district election officer Savin Bansal, senior superintendent of police Ajai Singh and other officials addressed and guided the attendees on election protocols.
Bansal emphasised the critical role of polling parties in ensuring smooth and transparent elections, likening them to frontline warriors with the presiding officers serving as their leaders. He talked about the importance of meticulous preparation, stating that months of efforts culminate in the three crucial days of poll duty, deployment, voting and counting. Bansal urged the officers to listen attentively to the training sessions and implement the instructions effectively, assuring them of full administrative support, including a dedicated control room and assistance teams, to resolve any issues. He encouraged the officials to perform their duties with confidence, transparency and responsibility.
The SSP also highlighted the significance of the presiding officers’ role in maintaining the integrity of the election process. Stressing that election duty supersedes all other responsibilities, he stated that there is no room for error. Singh reassured the officers of prompt police support, guaranteeing a response time of two to four minutes for any issues reported during the polls. He urged them to carry out their duties impartially and with utmost diligence.
The DM also encouraged personnel to clarify doubts during training, as any mistakes on polling day could have severe repercussions. A total of 1,550 officials attended the training, while 59 were marked absent. The nodal officer for ballots and Dehradun deputy municipal commissioner Gopal Ram Binwal conducted a session on ballot-related procedures.
