Applying ink to the left forefinger to prevent multiple voting.
At 7:00 AM, the doors open. An old woman, leaning on a stick, is the first in line. The First Polling Officer calls out her name from the electoral roll. The Second Officer marks her finger with purple indelible ink—a mark that says, "I have spoken." Handbook Of Presiding Officer 2014 In Marathi
The sun hasn't risen yet, but inside the small village schoolroom, the Presiding Officer (PRO) and their team are already wide awake. By 5:30 AM, the political agents arrive, shivering slightly in the morning air. Applying ink to the left forefinger to prevent
"Time for the Mock Poll," the PRO announces. They press buttons on the Control Unit, demonstrating to the skeptical agents that the machine is "Clear" and showing zero votes. Fifty trial votes are cast, and everyone watches as the count matches perfectly. The machine is then sealed with green paper seals—the silent guardians of democracy. The First Polling Officer calls out her name
Key Responsibilities (ठळक जबाबदाऱ्या)
While the 2014 edition was a landmark for the general elections that year, more recent versions are typically used today. You can find the Marathi manual on the Chief Electoral Officer, Maharashtra website or the Palghar District Government site.
Securely closing and sealing machines after the poll ends. Standard "Do's and Don'ts" ✅ Do match Unit IDs on the Control Unit and Ballot Unit.