Training programme for zonal officers of 7 Assembly segments in Villupuram

A training programme for election zonal officers and police personnel for all seven Assembly constituencies was held under the aegis of the district administration in Villupuram on Thursday.

Presiding over the training programme, District Election Officer and Collector Sheik Abdul Rahman oriented the zonal officers on the guidelines as outlined by the Election Commission of India and the roles and responsibilities of the zonal officers.

During the sessions, the workings of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) machines were explained.

The officers were also tasked with identifying vulnerable polling stations, assessing law and order-related sensitivities, and flagging booths requiring additional security arrangements.

Zonal officers were instructed to assess the availability of assured minimum facilities, and road connectivity to polling stations, and to report any gaps to the district administration. The election officials must familiarise themselves with the rules and norms formulated by the Election Commission, the Collector said.