ECI Trains Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to Strengthen Grassroot Participation by Political Parties
Panaji: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated a dedicated training programme for Booth Level Agents (BLAs) from Bihar, ahead of the upcoming elections. Approximately 280 BLAs representing 10 recognized political parties are participating in the two-day training being conducted at the India International Institute for Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) in New Delhi.
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, addressed the participants and emphasized the importance of the role BLAs play in strengthening democratic processes at the grassroots level.
The training aims to enhance the understanding of BLAs regarding their appointment, legal responsibilities, and key duties in line with the Representation of the People Act, 1950. Participants were given in-depth insights into the processes involved in the preparation, revision, and updating of electoral rolls, including the use of relevant forms and formats.
BLAs, who are appointed by recognized political parties, play a critical role in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of electoral rolls. As part of the training, they were also educated about the redressal mechanisms available under Sections 24(a) and 24(b) of the RP Act, 1950, enabling them to file appeals if they are dissatisfied with the final published rolls.
This initiative underscores ECI’s commitment to inclusive and transparent electoral processes by empowering party representatives with the necessary knowledge and tools to ensure fair and error-free elections.
