Leh's poll officials get training to use electronic voting machine

Leh, Oct 25 : Poll officials in Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir are being trained to use Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for the upcoming Assembly elections.

Independent Election Commission officials in a camp are training the returning officers, the assistant returning officers and other election staff.

The poll officers commended the training programme, saying that it would eliminate last minute troubles. "EVM is easy to operate as compared to ballot box and the film that they showcased was very resourceful for all us. EVM is very easy to handle andonsumes less time. This training is very useful for us," said Tsering Dolma, a poll officer.

Around 1295 government employees participated in the training at various centers in Leh District.

"It is good for us because it used to take a lot of time earlier when we used ballot papers. Now, it will be easier and beneficial to everyone," said Hussain Kalon, in charge Training programme.

Polling will take place in Jammu and Kashmir from November 17 to December. 24.

Leh, Kargil and Bandipora regions that receive heavy snowfall during the winter season have been included in the first phase of elections.

Mandatory identification of electors during voting would be carried out through Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC).

As of now, only sixty-eight per cent of the voters have been issued such cards.

The election commission said there would be a massive deployment of security forces across the region during the poll.

ANI