State-Level Training for Election Officers Begins for Special Intensive Revision

A four-day state-level training programme for election officers has commenced in Odisha to ensure the smooth implementation of the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. The training programme started on Tuesday and will continue till March 13, 2026, at the Revenue Officers’ Training Institute (ROTI) in Gothapatna, Bhubaneswar.

The training sessions will be conducted in two sessions each day and aim to equip election officials with the necessary administrative and technical knowledge required for the revision process.

CEO R.S. Gopalan Inaugurates Training

On the first day, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha R.S. Gopalan inaugurated the programme as the chief guest. The session was attended by Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) and Deputy Collectors (Election) from districts including Bargarh, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj and Balasore.

Focus on Electoral Roll Revision Process

During the training, officials were briefed on several important aspects of the Special Intensive Revision process, including procedures for updating electoral rolls, voter list corrections, voter mapping with previous electoral rolls, data collection and field-level implementation.

Strengthening Institutional and Human Resource Preparation

The programme also emphasized strengthening institutional preparedness and human resource management for the revision exercise. Discussions were held on ensuring transparency and active participation by political parties through the appointment of Booth Level Agents (BLAs).

Training for BLAs on voter verification and form management was also discussed. Officials were also informed about the identification of 20 key persons at each polling booth and mapping of voters with the 2002 electoral roll.

Digitisation and Data Management Measures

Special emphasis was placed on the digitisation of enumeration forms. Suitable locations and infrastructure will be identified for scanning and processing the forms. Trained personnel will be deployed for scanning, data entry and verification of the forms to ensure accuracy.

Camps for Voter Claims and Objections

To facilitate voter participation, special camps will be organised at various locations for hearing voter claims and objections related to the electoral rolls. These camps will ensure easy access and timely grievance redressal for voters.

Information regarding the date, time and venue of these camps will be shared in advance with voters and other stakeholders.

IT Cells and Help Desks to be Set Up

For efficient data management and monitoring, IT cells will be established at the ERO and AERO levels with adequate manpower. Additionally, help desks will be set up at the offices of District Election Officers (DEOs) and AEROs to assist voters, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and field-level staff during the revision process.

Officials Asked to be Fully Prepared

Chief Electoral Officer R.S. Gopalan directed the officers to remain administratively and technically prepared for the upcoming Special Intensive Revision programme.

The training programme was also attended by Additional CEO Sushant Kumar Mishra, Joint CEO Gopinath Kuanr and Deputy CEO Dr. Laxmi Prasad Sahu, among other officials.