As Assam prepares for its upcoming Panchayat elections, the Cachar district administration is taking proactive steps to ensure a smooth and fair electoral process. In a significant move toward strengthening election preparedness, the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar, Rohan Kumar Jha, recently conducted an extensive review of training sessions for election personnel in Silchar.
With Panchayati Raj Institutions playing a pivotal role in grassroots governance, the upcoming polls hold great importance for local democracy. The training and sensitization of polling officials is, therefore, a top priority for the district administration. In line with this, DC Jha visited various training centers and interacted directly with election officers, trainers, and administrative staff to assess the quality, progress, and effectiveness of the sessions.
Addressing media personnel after his inspection, Jha emphasized the critical role of trained polling officials in upholding the integrity and transparency of the electoral process. “Our focus is on comprehensive and systematic training. Every official involved in the polling process must be fully equipped to handle their responsibilities with confidence and neutrality,” he said.
Training programs are currently being held in multiple phases across Silchar, catering to a wide range of personnel including presiding officers, first polling officers, and supporting staff. These sessions cover vital topics such as the operation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems, ballot security protocols, mock poll procedures, and overall polling day conduct.
DC Jha noted that special emphasis is being placed on hands-on practice, especially in handling EVMs and VVPATs. “Theory is not enough. The aim is to minimize errors on polling day, and that requires practical, scenario-based training,” he said. Trainers are also addressing contingency planning, including power failures, EVM glitches, and security challenges in sensitive booths.
During his visit, the Deputy Commissioner also interacted with several first-time polling officials, offering encouragement and resolving queries related to the polling process. Officials expressed appreciation for the structured and interactive training modules, which many described as both engaging and informative.
In addition to logistical training, the sessions also include ethical and legal briefings. Officers are being sensitized about the model code of conduct, electoral offenses, and voter rights to ensure elections are held in a free and fair manner. The Election Commission has also mandated gender sensitization and inclusivity awareness as part of the curriculum.
With over a thousand polling booths to be managed in the Cachar district alone, meticulous planning is essential. The district administration has already begun the allocation of duties, identification of sensitive areas, and transportation logistics for polling equipment. Training is also being extended to security personnel who will be deployed across polling stations to maintain law and order.
The Panchayat elections in Assam are expected to witness a spirited contest, as local governance and rural development directly affect the lives of citizens. Voter awareness campaigns have already been launched to encourage higher turnout, especially in rural and minority-dominated areas. The district administration, in collaboration with NGOs and local institutions, is also organizing mock polls and awareness drives to educate voters about the process.
Observers appointed by the State Election Commission are scheduled to monitor the ongoing preparations, and their feedback will play a vital role in refining the final deployment plans.
As the countdown to the elections begins, Cachar’s efforts reflect a broader commitment across Assam to conduct Panchayat polls with professionalism, integrity, and community engagement. DC Rohan Kumar Jha’s hands-on leadership and emphasis on training are being seen as key elements in ensuring that the elections are not just procedurally sound but also a celebration of democratic participation.
The district now moves closer to polling day with growing confidence. From polling personnel to village-level functionaries, all eyes are on delivering a flawless election—one that empowers local voices and strengthens the foundation of grassroots democracy in Assam.