Odisha Elections 2019: Mock polls held in Secretariat

Bhubaneswar: Mock polls were conducted at the State Secretariat today to provide training to senior bureaucrats and officers on the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines during the upcoming polls.

This is for the first time that VVPAT machines will be used for polling in all 147 Assembly Constituencies of Odisha. Chief Secretary Aditya Padhi including many officers of the State Secretariat took part in the mock drill today.

“Secretary-level and additional secretary-level officers were provided training. A demonstration by the CEO was held on the use of EVMs and VVPAT machines, which will be used for the first time in the State,” said Padhi.

On the other hand, chief electoral officer of the State, Surendra Kumar informed that the Election Commissioner of India will reach Odisha tomorrow night and will review the preparedness for the upcoming elections in the state during various programmes on February 14 and 15.

“The Election Commissioner will attend various programmes on February 14 and 15 and hold talks with the stakeholders where he will discuss the preparations for the upcoming polls,” stated Kumar.