Training of Central Observers for ongoing Assembly Elections in five poll going states conducted

Bhubaneswar, Jan 14: A training in virtual mode was conducted by the Election Commission of India for Central Observers appointed for the five poll going states like Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Total 73 Officers from Odisha belonging to IAS, IPS and IRS services attended the training in the Convention Hall of Lokaseva Bhawan at the State headquarters here at Bhubaneswar. Chief Electoral Officer, Sushil Kumar Lohani along with his team of officers were present on this occasion. Election Commissioner Anup Chandra Pandey while addressing the observers told that all should feel proud to be part of this mega exercise as eyes and ears of the Commission. He urged them to guide the electoral process while on duty ensuring that all COVID protocols are followed in letter and spirit. They should ensure that all the accessible tools like Assured Minimum Facilities for COVID safe elections. The criminal antecedents of the candidates must be published thrice during the appropriate period. Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar advised the observers to ensure impartiality in Election process which is the expectations from Election Commission of India. They should be visible, they must be cordial and available to the public and election machinery. Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra emphasized on the neutrality and impartiality of the Central Observers and mentioned that externality of deployment of senior officers from other states helps in this process. He further advised the Election Observers to avoid any sort of slackness in their duty and instil confidence in the mind of the electorate for free, fair and accessible elections. He further advised all the officers to ensure that all the Covid related protocols are diligently enforced by the election machineryduring the election process. General Secretary, ECI Umesh Sinha and other senior officers of the Commission made thematic presentations on the different aspects of conduct of Election during the pandemic situation. The training was conducted following all COVID norms in the convention centre in a fully sanitized manner.