Thiruvananthapuram: Preparations for the upcoming local body elections in Kerala have gathered pace, with postal ballots and ballot labels now printed and ready for distribution. The first consignment was handed over to Thiruvananthapuram District Collector Anu Kumari by Printing Director Amir CA at the Government Central Press.

Local body elections in Kerala will be held in two phases on December 9 and 11, with counting scheduled for December 13. The model code of conduct is currently in force across the state. Elections are set to take place in 1,199 of the 1,200 local bodies.

Speaking to ANI, Thiruvananthapuram District Collector Anu Kumari described the delivery of postal ballots as a significant milestone in the election preparations. She said ballot papers for Idukki have already been printed, while printing for Thiruvananthapuram is underway and expected to be completed soon.

She noted that preparations are progressing smoothly despite the simultaneous work on SIR activities and election duties, praising staff across departments for “working tirelessly to meet the demands of both processes”.

Anu stressed that the process is a combined effort involving officials at every level. She highlighted the workload of field-level Booth Level Officers (BLOs), who are conducting door-to-door visits under strict deadlines and with limited support from Booth Level Agents (BLAs), many of whom are new to their designated areas.

In Thiruvananthapuram, 92 per cent of forms have already been distributed, while 8 per cent of voters remain untraceable. Officials are now reaching out to residents’ associations and flat associations to ensure no eligible voter is left out. Volunteers, including college students, have joined BLOs to accelerate the process.

Kumari added that BLOs are confident they can complete most of the work by November 28. She acknowledged that while some BLOs are highly experienced and well organised, others are managing larger workloads. Despite initial unfamiliarity with digitisation requirements, 100 per cent digitisation was achieved in the district by November 22 following training sessions and hands-on camps.

ANI inputs