Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 30 May 2024
The fourth and final round of training for Counting Supervisors, Micro Observers, Counting Assistants, and Counting Staff took place at the DBRAIT auditorium. These personnel will assist the Returning Officer (RO) of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Parliamentary Constituency in the vote counting process for the General Election 2024. The vote counting is scheduled to occur on June 4, 2024, at the JNRM Counting Centre.
The RO, Mr. Arjun Sharma, IAS, visited the DBRAIT auditorium and addressed the counting personnel. He emphasized the importance of executing their roles and responsibilities with sincerity and diligence to ensure a smooth counting process. “Today marks the final round of training,” he noted, adding that by this stage, all personnel should be well-versed in the step-by-step counting process as outlined by the Election Commission of India (ECI). He urged them to perform their tasks with professionalism and maintain decorum within the Counting Hall.
Highlighting the crucial role that transparent vote counting plays in the election process, Mr. Sharma stressed the need for utmost professionalism and cordiality among the counting staff. He assured that additional hands-on training could be arranged for anyone still in need.
The RO outlined the schedule for June 4, stating that the counting of Postal Ballot Papers will begin at 8 am, followed by the counting of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at 8:30 am across two counting halls at JNRM. Each hall will feature 14 counting tables, making a total of 28 tables. All counting personnel are required to arrive at the Counting Centre by 5 am for the randomization and allocation of Counting Teams and Tables. For those needing transportation, bus services will be provided to ensure timely arrival at the centre.
Mr. Som Naidu, a retired DANICS officer and Resource Person, also addressed the trainees. He, along with the team of Master Trainers led by Mr. M. Papa Rao and assisted by Dr. A. Abraham, provided comprehensive training on counting Postal Ballot Papers and handling polled EVMs, including Control Units and VVPAT machines. The session included hands-on practice to ensure the counting personnel are fully prepared for their duties.
As the Andaman and Nicobar Islands gear up for the crucial task of vote counting, this final round of training aims to ensure a transparent and efficient process, reflecting the importance of every vote cast in the General Election 2024.