Legal Integrity in Electoral Process: 13th BLO Supervisors Training Begins at IIIDEM

In his keynote address, CEC Gyanesh Kumar underscored the pivotal role of BLO Supervisors in upholding India’s electoral integrity.

The 13th batch of Booth Level Officers (BLO) Supervisors’ training began today at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), New Delhi. This extensive program is part of the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) ongoing initiative to reinforce grassroots-level electoral management. The inauguration was presided over by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Shri Gyanesh Kumar, who addressed 379 participants from five different regions—Uttar Pradesh (111), Madhya Pradesh (128), Nagaland (67), Meghalaya (66), and Chandigarh (7).

This training session is part of a wider campaign that has already seen over 5,000 BLOs and their Supervisors trained in New Delhi over the past three months, reflecting ECI’s unwavering commitment to strengthening democratic practices through capacity building.

Focus on Legal Framework and Procedural Transparency

In his keynote address, CEC Gyanesh Kumar underscored the pivotal role of BLO Supervisors in upholding India’s electoral integrity. He highlighted that the training is rigorously designed in line with the Representation of the People Acts, 1950 and 1951, the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, and the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961. “In a democracy, nothing is more transparent than the law. Our elections are conducted strictly as per legal provisions, ensuring credibility and fairness,” he affirmed.

CEC Kumar emphasized the need for BLOs to not only implement procedures effectively but also to engage voters by making them aware of their rights—particularly the right to file appeals regarding entries in the final electoral roll.

Educating on Appeal Provisions and Citizen Empowerment

The training places a strong emphasis on acquainting participants with the appeals process as detailed under Section 24 of the RP Act, 1950. Supervisors were briefed on:

• First appeals to be made before the District Magistrate/Collector/Executive Magistrate [Section 24(a)]

• Second appeals to be submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the respective State/UT [Section 24(b)]

These legal avenues are often underutilized due to lack of awareness. Notably, during the Special Summary Revision (SSR) exercise in January 2025, no appeals were received from the five states represented in this training batch—Meghalaya, Nagaland, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Chandigarh—highlighting the urgent need for voter sensitization, which BLOs can champion on the ground.

Hands-On Learning with IT Tools, EVMs and VVPATs

The week-long program goes beyond theoretical instruction. Participants will undergo hands-on sessions on electoral IT tools, including those used for voter registration and form processing. Real-world field scenarios will be simulated to prepare them for challenges encountered during voter verification drives and electoral roll updates.

Additionally, trainees will receive detailed technical demonstrations of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs). These include live mock polls to reinforce understanding and operational familiarity—essential for building voter trust in electronic voting systems.

Strengthening the Backbone of Indian Elections

As India gears up for future electoral cycles, the role of BLOs and their supervisors remains foundational. Through such initiatives, the ECI not only reinforces procedural rigor but also ensures that every functionary understands their pivotal role in safeguarding the spirit of Indian democracy.