Kolkata, Oct 11 – The Election Commission of India (ECI) is preparing to start its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal after October 15. In a clear reminder to state officials, the commission stressed that the criteria for appointing electoral officers must not be relaxed.
The ECI sent a new communique to the Chief Secretary, Manoj Pant, outlining how booth‑level officers (BLOs) and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) should be chosen. The message stressed that priority must go to permanent state‑government employees, especially teachers in government schools.
Key rules for BLOs
- Permanent staff are the first choice.
- Contract workers can fill the role only if there aren’t enough permanent employees.
- Before hiring contractors, the district magistrate (also the district electoral officer) must explain why they’re needed and get the Chief Electoral Officer’s approval.
Rules for EROs
- Officers must come from the West Bengal Civil Service (Executive cadre).
- They should not rank below sub‑divisional magistrates, sub‑divisional officers, or rural development officers.
The West Bengal BJP has long accused the state of irregularities in BLO appointments. On Friday, opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari asked the ECI to investigate alleged misconduct in ERO selection. He noted that many senior bureaucrats were bypassed, citing a list of 226 EROs whose appointments apparently ignored ECI guidelines. According to Adhikari, this undermines the integrity of the electoral process.
The ECI is watching the process closely and urges the West Bengal administration to follow its strict selection norms before the revision rolls out.
Source: ianslive
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
