PCMC Chief Issues Show-Cause Notices to 1,329 Polling Staff for Missing Mandatory Election Training
PCMC Chief Issues Show-Cause Notices to 1,329 Polling Staff for Missing Mandatory Election Training
Pune: Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Commissioner Shravan Hardikar has issued show-cause notices to 1,329 polling staff members for failing to attend a mandatory training programme conducted ahead of the upcoming civic elections.
Most of the notices have been served to teachers who were appointed for various election-related duties on polling day. The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) had organised a two-day compulsory training programme on Saturday and Sunday at the GD Madgulkar Auditorium in Nigdi for officials assigned election responsibilities. Despite clear instructions, a significant number of staff members remained absent.
According to the notice, the absentee officials violated provisions of the Representation of the People Act by skipping the training without prior permission. A senior PCMC official stated that strict action would be initiated if the concerned staff fail to submit a valid and satisfactory explanation within the stipulated time.
The training programme was aimed at ensuring the smooth and error-free conduct of the elections. It was conducted in three sessions and covered key aspects such as polling procedures, preparatory arrangements at polling stations, relevant election laws, and Election Commission guidelines. Officials were also given live demonstrations on the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), along with detailed instructions on their handling and safety.
Earlier, Hardikar had informed that the civic body would require around 14,250 officers and staff to manage polling across 2,034 polling stations in the city. He added that over 14,000 personnel have already been deployed for election-related duties in the run-up to the polls.
