Reported by: Mrinal Banik
Agartala: Training for 2,900 polling personnel began in Agartala on Thursday as part of preparations for the November 27 civic elections in Tripura. The first phase covers presiding officers, polling officers and Group D staff.
The training programme has been divided into five categories: presiding officers, first, second and third polling officers, and Group D employees. It includes theoretical sessions and practical training in operating electronic voting machines (EVMs).
Mock polling exercises are also being conducted to familiarise personnel with voting procedures and prepare them for their duties on polling day.
Specially appointed master trainers are conducting the sessions. One group of trainers is responsible for theoretical instruction, while another is handling practical demonstrations of EVM operations.
An administrative official said the training was being organised ahead of the 2026 civic elections. A total of 439 polling stations have been identified in the areas covered by the elections.
The official said the first phase of training was under way and a second phase would be conducted later.
According to the official, the State Election Commission‘s guidelines would be followed at every stage of the election process.
The remaining preparatory activities include EVM commissioning, deployment of polling personnel at designated stations, polling and collection of election materials after voting concludes.
The training is intended to familiarise polling personnel with their responsibilities and ensure that procedures are carried out in accordance with the prescribed guidelines.
The administration has undertaken the exercise as part of its preparations to conduct the civic elections in a free, fair, transparent and peaceful manner.
Voting is scheduled for November 27.