Mysuru:  With the polls for the 14 Lok Sabha seats of the State less than 20 days to go (Apr. 18), the Election Commission of India (ECI) held a day-long training session for all poll personnel at seven centres across the district today, including four in the city.

The poll personnel were subjected to a hands-on experience on handling EVMs, VVPAT, linking of EVMs with VVPAT and such other issues.

The participants were also given a demonstration on handling extraneous situations such as challenge vote, possible malfunctioning of EVMs and VVPAT and the like.

The poll personnel were also trained on maintaining enough stock of indelible ink, markers, entry books and other stationeries in every polling booth. They were also trained on sealing of EVMs and VVPATs once the voting ends. Master Trainers, trained by the ECI, gave demonstrations on key aspects of polling to them.

The training programme for poll personnel of Chamaraja Assembly segment was held at Kalamandira and Maharani’s College of Commerce and Management, Paduvarahalli, while for personnel from K.R. Assembly segment at Maharaja’s College Centenary Hall and for N.R. Assembly at JSS College on Ooty Road.

The second and final level of training for poll personnel will be held on Apr. 9.