The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) has begun special training for officials involved in counting votes for its second general elections, with the civic administration directing them to follow Election Commission guidelines strictly and ensure an error-free process.
GVMC commissioner and additional election authority Ketan Garg issued the instructions during a training programme held on Sunday for returning officers, assistant returning officers, sectoral officers and master trainers. He said vote counting was one of the most critical stages of the electoral process and required the utmost vigilance from officials.
The programme focused on counting procedures, the responsibilities of officials and precautionary measures to be followed during the process. Garg, along with GVMC additional commissioner Ramesh, explained the operational requirements to personnel who will oversee and support counting duties.
Officials were instructed to understand Election Commission norms thoroughly and comply with them from the commencement of counting until the declaration of results. The administration also emphasised the need for proper arrangements at counting centres, accurate recording of counting details and adherence to prescribed procedures at every stage.
The directions place the counting process within the administrative responsibilities of the civic body, which is handling the election authority functions for the municipal polls. Returning officers and assistant returning officers will be responsible for carrying out the prescribed procedures, while sectoral officers and other election personnel will support the process in their assigned roles.
Garg also directed master trainers to provide comprehensive guidance to staff deployed for counting duties in their respective zones. They were asked to prepare personnel to address possible issues in accordance with election rules rather than relying on ad hoc decisions during the counting process.
The commissioner asked officials to work in coordination and discharge their duties responsibly to ensure a smooth and credible counting exercise. The training was attended by returning officers, assistant returning officers, sectoral officers, master trainers and other election personnel.
The GVMC has not disclosed in the supplied announcement the number of counting centres, the total number of personnel deployed or the schedule for declaration of results. The next operational step identified by the civic administration is the continuation of zone-level guidance and preparation of staff for counting duties under the applicable election procedures.
