The District Election Office Doda organized the second training session for Returning Officers (ROs), Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) and Nodal Officers in the run up for the upcoming Municipal Elections.
The one-day training session held in the Conference Hall of the DC office complex was led by Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr. Ravi Kumar Bharti, while State Level Master Trainer (SLMT) Mohammad Ashraf Wani (District Information Officer Doda) and District-Level Master Trainer (DLMT) Akhter Hussain (Assistant Professor at Government Degree College Doda) imparted training to the participants.
The State Level Master Trainer gave detailed information regarding the preparation and conduct of the upcoming Urban Local Bodies (ULB) election. He urged ROs and AROs to adhere to the rules and regulations and go through the RO's handbook provided to them by the district election office Doda.
The session included a thorough and brain-storming question-and-answer segment to address the doubts about the election procedures and rules, ensuring that the Municipal Elections in the district are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.
The district level master trainer gave a detailed presentation on working and handling of the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM).The participants raised several queries to which the Master Trainers gave satisfactory answers, clearing all the doubts regarding the EVM.
During the training, the ROs and AROs were explained their role and responsibilities including the election management, the nomination process, scrutiny of nomination papers, procedure for withdrawal of candidature, EVM (Electronic Voting Machine) management, polling and counting votes, declaring results, and adhering to the provisions of the model code of conduct.
The SLMT also gave a brief overview of 'ROs Handbook for Municipal Elections 2023, the 'Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Elections Act 2000,' and 'Jammu and Kashmir Municipal (Elections) Rules 2003.' The ADC highlighted the vital role played by ROs and AROs and encouraged them to prepare an action plan well in advance for the upcoming elections.
He also urged them to familiarize themselves with the necessary information and the latest directives from CEO Jammu & Kashmir to guarantee the integrity of the Municipal Elections. The ADC Doda also informed that the Election Department would conduct one more training session for ROs and AROs to provide them detailed knowledge and information regarding the preparation and conduct of upcoming elections.