Gangtok, March 23 (IPR): The state-level training for the 4th General Municipal Elections 2026 was organised by State Election Commission, Sikkim, at the conference hall of District Administrative Centre (DAC), Gangtok, Sichey, today.
The objective of the training was to impart knowledge on the roles and responsibilities of polling personnel to 13 District-Level Master Trainers (DLMTs). These trainers have been entrusted with conducting further sessions for polling teams across the six districts in preparation for the upcoming municipal elections.
District Collector, Gangtok, Mr Tushar G. Nikhare, IAS, delivered a brief address, emphasising the importance of preparedness and coordination for the smooth conduct of the elections.
The first session was conducted by Deputy Secretary, Election Department, Namchi, Ms Bhumika Chettri, who shared insights on polling materials and provided in-depth information on the composition of polling parties.
Additional Secretary, Mr Prem Kamal Rai, delivered a detailed briefing on poll day arrangements, outlining the roles and responsibilities of polling personnel.
Additional District Collector (ADC), Gangtok, Ms Tripti Hangma Subba, spoke on postal ballots, counting procedures and the declaration of election results.
A session on inventory management and barcode systems was also conducted.
Training on the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) was conducted by Professor Dr Sanjay Dixit, Assistant Professor Dr Jitendra Kumar Parmar, and State-Level Master Trainer Mr Durgesh Pathak. The session covered key features of EVMs, including their Braille-enabled interface and functioning. It was also informed that the M2 version of EVMs, manufactured by the Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL), will be used in the municipal elections.
It may be noted that valedictory remarks were delivered by State Election Commissioner, State Election Commission, Sikkim, Mr K.C. Lepcha, who joined the session in the latter half.
Earlier, Mr Tom Tshering Lepcha, Deputy Director, State Election Commission, Sikkim, in his inaugural address elaborated on the various sessions incorporated in the state-level training programme for the upcoming 4th General Municipal Elections 2026.
The event was also attended by Secretary, State Election Commission, Sikkim, Ms Gloria Namchu, Additional Director, SEC Sikkim, ADC (HQ), Gangtok, Mr Tshering Norgyal Theengh, Joint Director, DDMA, Mr Sonam W. Lepcha, and other senior officials.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK