ECI Trains BLAs to Enhance Grassroot Participation in Bihar Elections

New Delhi: In a first, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated a two-day training program for Booth Level Agents (BLAs) from Bihar to bolster grassroots participation ahead of the forthcoming state elections. Around 280 BLAs, affiliated with 10 recognized political parties, attended the program at the India International Institute for Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), New Delhi.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, addressed the attendees. This training program, conceived during the Chief Electoral Officers (CEO) conference on March 4, 2025, is a crucial step in empowering BLAs to carry out their roles effectively.

The training emphasized the significance of BLAs in the electoral process, particularly in ensuring error-free electoral rolls in compliance with the Representation of People Act, 1950, and related guidelines. The BLAs were educated on the legal framework, including the preparation, revision, and updating of electoral rolls. They were also trained on filing appeals under Sections 24(a) and 24(b) of the RP Act, 1950, in case of grievances with the final electoral rolls.

By enhancing the skill set of BLAs, the ECI aims to ensure a transparent, accountable, and efficient election process in Bihar.