With the aim to prepare the District Collectors for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Chief Election Commissioner of India has been organising training programs for them throughout the country. During the training the DMs were given guidance mainly in handling of polling booths, model code of conduct and voters list.
After undergoing the training all the District Collectors of Madhya Pradesh underwent a written test in Bhopal on Saturday.
The questions for the thirty minute Examination, prepared by the Election Commissioner of India were based on election process, code of conduct, responsibilities of the Returning Officers and the nomination procedures.
The answer sheets have been sent to the CEC of India, New Delhi in a sealed cover. It is learnt from sources that the question paper carried 100 questions and a total of 100 marks. It is also learnt that those collectors who score less than 70 marks will have to undergo an additional training and test.
Talking about the test, Gwalior DM, Bharat Yadav told media persons that the test was an easy one for him and that he had attempted all questions. He added that a lot of experience and knowledge about the electoral process was attained as Morena Collector during the assembly elections. He further said that all the instructions of the Election Commissioner will be strictly followed during the coming Lok Sabha elections and that the election will be conducted smoothly and impartially.
It is learnt from sources that the training and the subsequent written test became necessary as a few complaints regarding mishandling of EVMs and violation of procedures with regards to conduct of polls during the just concluded assembly elections had reached the ECI.
The Election Commissioner hopes that the training of district collectors will pave the way for a smooth and hassle free elections.