Admin readies for counting, 1000 personnel trained

The Ranchi District Administration on Wednesday began the training of government personnel roped in for counting votes at Pandra Strong room. Sadar SDO, Anjali Yadav said that all preliminary arrangements have been completed.

Assistant Returning Officers (AROs), Returning Officers (ROs) have been issued the instructions. As many as 1000 counting agents will be engaged in for counting.

 “From opening EVMs to compiling figures, all important instructions have been imparted among the counting agents. Requisitions have been asked from the concerned counting agents. Jharkhand Armed Police (JAP) personnel have been deputed for security of EVMs at Pandra,” the Sadar SDO said.

“From security perspectives, deployment of additional security forces has been ensured. On the spot verification of all arrangements will be done by the senior district administration officials on April 19. More than 150 counting agents, supervisors will be involved in opening and sealing the EVMs on the spots. Over 200 polling staffs have been kept in reserve,” Yadav further added.

Meanwhile, focusing on all technical aspects of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the government personnel received the first round counting training here at Collectorate Building. 15 counting rooms, five each for Mayor, Deputy Mayor and ward councilors have been made at Pandra Bazaar. According to the officials, the counting procedure is likely to begin from 8 AM on April 20.

Serial wise rooms have been allocated for counting votes at Pandra. The first round training of counting agents was conducted in the presence of ADM (Naxal), Poonam Jha and senior officials of State Election Commission. The second round training of counting agents will be organized on Thursday at Birsa Munda Stadium, Morhabadi from 10:30 PM onwards.

“The training session mainly focused on technical aspects of EVMs apart making counting agents aware about the security aspects at the strong rooms. All counting agents have been instructed to abide by the rules as mentioned. The counting agents will be accompanied by the security persons during opening and sealing EVMs.” said ADM (Naxal) and Training in-charge, Poonam Jha.