Shimla: 100 women trained for all-women polling station in HP polls

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], Oct 28 (ANI): In efforts towards increasing participation of women in the upcoming Himachal Pradesh Assembly election, over 100 women employees in the hill town of Shimla were given special training in Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trial (VVPAT) on Saturday.

This year, the Election Commission announced setting up of 136 all-women polling stations in the state, of which 16 will be in Shimla district.

The whole elections procedure down to the security staff at the polling booths will be managed by women.

"Women were given training for the whole election procedure- in theory as well as hands-on training," Returning and Training officer, Jayoti Rana told ANI.

Rana, who is one of the training staff at the special training camp, said the response from women employees were very encouraging, as many of the trainees came voluntarily, and were able to understand the procedure.

The trainee women employees indeed showed enthusiasm for the first of its kind opportunity, and commended the step.

"There is a lot of excitement among the women for the special training camp. It is a very good step by the Himachal Pradesh government," Alka Kainthala, an employee said.

"We are excited for the first all-women polling stations. Hope we will be learning something new," Vandana Sood said.

Voting for Himachal Pradesh elections will be held in a single phase on November 9 and the result will be declared on December 18. (ANI)

This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI