The Thane Municipal Corporation's election department is grappling with a major crisis of absenteeism after a staggering number of its employees deputed for poll duty failed to attend crucial training sessions. The situation has escalated to the point where the civic body has issued a final warning, threatening criminal action against the defaulters.
Massive Absenteeism in Mandatory Sessions
According to officials, a total of 2,128 employees out of nearly 11,500 assigned for election work did not attend the second round of compulsory training. This follows an already poor turnout for the first session held in the last week of December 2023. The initial low attendance was attributed to various factors including pre-booked year-end holidays, leave taken by staff ahead of retirement, and cited health reasons.
Despite conducting a second session last week to accommodate the defaulters, the response remained weak. The administration had previously issued show-cause notices to the absent employees, but most failed to respond or comply with the orders. This persistent non-compliance forced the election department to take a stern stance.
Final Warning and Threat of Criminal Cases
In an urgent move late on Thursday, the department issued a final warning to the staff. A senior official emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "Elections are an essential constitutional process, and it is mandatory for appointed staff to discharge their duties. Despite repeated instructions and notices, many violated the orders. We therefore initiated the process of registering criminal cases against 2,128 employees."
This severe warning seemed to have some effect. Following the threat of legal action, several employees reported for training on Friday, which was the final session scheduled ahead of polling next Thursday. However, an exact count of staff who remained absent even after the final warning was still being compiled until late Friday evening.
Crucial Training for Smooth Polling
The training is not a mere formality but a critical component for ensuring free and fair elections. Officials stressed that staff deployed across 2,013 polling stations in Thane must be thoroughly familiar with new procedures and electronic voting machine (EVM) protocols. The training aims to:
- Ensure smooth and efficient operations on polling day.
- Prepare staff to handle any emergencies or technical glitches.
- Familiarize them with the latest election guidelines and code of conduct.
The failure of such a large contingent to undergo this training raises significant concerns about potential logistical challenges and delays during the actual voting process. The Thane Municipal Corporation administration is now in a race against time to ensure all polling stations are adequately manned by properly trained personnel.
