West Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty notified the Election Commission regarding the state’s partial compliance with directives aimed at ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. This communication was sent ahead of the February 17, 5:30 PM deadline mandated by the EC. Among the key actions reported were the filing of FIRs against four officers accused of data security violations and the suspension of the Basirhat Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO).
Outstanding Compliance Issues Highlighted
However, certain compliance requirements remain unfulfilled. The Election Commission had previously instructed Chakravorty on February 13 to cancel transfer orders related to three electoral roll observers—Aswini Kumar Yadav, Randhir Kumar, and Smita Pandey—without prior approval from the commission. Additionally, the West Bengal government has not yet submitted a proposal concerning the appointment of returning officers (ROs) and electoral registration officers (EROs), a process that must adhere to the EC’s established criteria, which specify that candidates for these roles should be serving at the level of sub-divisional magistrate or equivalent.
Current Status of Electoral Officers in West Bengal
Presently, returning officers in only 67 of the state’s 294 assembly constituencies and electoral registration officers in merely 68 constituencies meet the rank criteria set forth by the Election Commission. This raises concerns about the adequacy of the current administrative setup in managing the electoral process effectively.
Response from the Election Commission
Upon receiving the compliance letter from Chakravorty, officials from the Election Commission stated that they would review the documentation upon returning from a trip to Assam. The process is part of the EC’s broader oversight responsibilities in ensuring fair and transparent elections across states.
Suspensions and Directives for Electoral Roll Observers
In related developments, the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal announced the suspension of three micro observers based on evaluations from district electoral roll supervisors appointed by the EC. These micro observers, functioning under the purview of the Election Commission, have been reminded of their obligation to execute their roles meticulously without delegating or outsourcing responsibilities, with non-compliance leading to severe consequences.
Background on Recent Suspensions
Just days before, the Election Commission had implemented immediate suspensions of seven Assistant Electoral Registration Officers across West Bengal due to accusations of neglecting their duties. In discussions with the West Bengal Chief Secretary held the prior week, the EC emphasized the importance of adhering to directives regarding the payment of honorariums to Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and the appointment of qualified officers affiliated with the electoral process. The commission reiterated the need for compliance with all directives, including the urgent registration of FIRs against those violating electoral regulations by the set deadline.
Future Expectations from State Administration
As the election period progresses, the West Bengal government faces increased scrutiny over its adherence to the Election Commission’s regulations, which play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. The forthcoming compliance actions will be pivotal in determining the effectiveness of the state’s electoral administration as it prepares for the upcoming elections.
