Training programme on poll procedures conducted at tuticorin

 A training programme for block-level resource persons, in the rank of a Block Development Officer of block and village panchayats, Deputy BDO and Extension Officer in panchayats, on the procedures that needed to be followed for the smooth conduct of the local body elections was held here on Sunday.

In all, 148 officials attended the training.

The Collector R. Palaniyandi, who convened the programme, explained to them the pre-poll, polling date and post-poll arrangements that needed to be done in the district for the elections to 408 village panchayats, 19 town panchayats, 12 panchayat unions, two municipalities and a third grade municipality.

He taught them the methodology of setting up polling stations and preparation of various forms connected with the polling, prior to the election date.

The `trainees' were also told how to handle the ballot boxes and ballot papers and the procedures that needed to be followed to fill certain official forms while the polling was under way.

Mr. Palaniyandi also explained the guidelines set by the State Election Commission for the transportation of ballot boxes from the polling stations to the counting centres.

The Returning Officers appointed for the elections to the district panchayat, M. Madasamy, Project Officer of Mahilar Thittam, and A. Palanisamy, Project Officer of DRDA, and the 12 ROs for the election to as many number of panchayat unions were present.

Mr. Palaniyandi said those who underwent training on Sunday, would, in turn, pass the `messages' to other polling personnel to be involved in the civic polls through a series of trainings at the lower level from October 4.

He said that 2,174 polling stations and 22 counting centres would be set up for the civic polls.