DODA, MARCH 23: Around 900 polling staff members from Doda, Bhaderwah and Kilhotran in Doda district received training on handling of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) today.

The training sessions were conducted by Master Trainers at the Community halls in Doda, Bhaderwah and GDC Kilhohran.

In Doda, 300 polling personnel were trained, while 600 polling staff members received training in Bhaderwah and GDC Kilohtran combined.

District Election Officer Doda, Harvinder Singh, advised the staff to maintain impartiality and adhere to  Model Code of Conduct issued by the Election Commission of India. He instructed presiding officers to thoroughly review the handbook provided to them and stay updated with the latest ECI guidelines.

Participants received live demonstrations from master trainers on handling of EVMs at various stages of  polling process, including starting the machine, casting votes, managing the control unit and sealing the machine post-polling.

The Returning Officer for Doda interacted with the polling staff during the training session.

Similarly, in Bhaderwah and Kilhotran, Returning Officers oversaw the training, educating polling staff on procedures, rules and precautions to be taken while performing their duties and engaged in interactions with them.