ECI considers joint supervisory committees for Bengal’s SIR exercise

Kolkata: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is evaluating a proposal to establish joint supervisory committees for each of West Bengal’s 294 Assembly constituencies to oversee the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

The proposal, backed by several political parties, suggests including representatives from both the Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office and party nominees to enhance transparency. According to a CEO office insider, the move aims to address concerns raised by political stakeholders and prevent disputes over the revision’s outcome.

The ECI has acknowledged the proposal’s merit, viewing it as a potential safeguard against controversy. The three-phase SIR, covering 12 states including West Bengal, is scheduled to begin on November 4.

Meanwhile, disciplinary warnings from the CEO’s office have prompted 143 previously “unwilling” booth-level officers (BLOs) to report for duty. These officers, who had delayed collecting their enrolment letters, complied with the Thursday noon deadline after being reminded of the ECI’s authority to recommend suspension and legal action for non-compliance.

Interestingly, while some government staff resisted BLO appointments, others expressed disappointment at being excluded from the exercise, with several writing to the CEO’s office to voice their willingness to participate.

(Inputs from IANS)