Exemption from election duty on health grounds was granted to 521 staff in Coimbatore district after scrutiny of requests submitted by the personnel.

As many as 1,980 staff had sought exemption citing medical reasons and family circumstances. The applications were examined by a committee headed by Special District Revenue Officer Vidhya, and only those with valid medical grounds were approved.

The district has 3,540 polling stations, with 17,102 personnel deployed for election duty. Form 12 has been issued to help them cast postal ballots, and the first phase of training has been completed.

During the training, around 3,000 personnel were absent. Authorities have directed those not granted exemption to report for duty without fail. Substitute staff have been identified and trained for those exempted.

The officials said exemption was given to pregnant women, mothers with infants and persons undergoing treatment for serious illnesses. The second phase of training is scheduled to be held on April 15.