The Election Commission of India is significantly enhancing its verification machinery in Kolkata ahead of the crucial publication of the final electoral roll on February 14. In a major operational move, the EC is appointing more than 2,000 additional micro-observers to meticulously verify enumeration forms and facilitate expedited hearings across the state.
Strengthening the Observer Network
This fresh deployment will supplement the existing force of 4,600 micro-observers already active throughout West Bengal. The primary objective of these officials is to ensure the accuracy and integrity of voter data through thorough scrutiny of documentation and participation in rapid hearing processes.
Comprehensive Training Initiative
To equip these micro-observers with necessary skills, the Election Commission has scheduled a dedicated training session on January 15. This training will focus on procedural protocols, verification techniques, and data analysis methodologies, enabling them to effectively assist in the comprehensive analysis of electoral information.
Progress on Voter List Rectifications
An EC official revealed that the commission has successfully completed hearings for approximately 32 lakh voters previously categorized as "unmapped." This represents significant progress in addressing discrepancies within the electoral database.
Notices and Deliveries
Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal provided detailed updates on notification procedures. The commission has generated notices for an impressive 70 lakh voters, with 34 lakh of these notices already successfully delivered to concerned individuals.
Addressing Application and Linkage Issues
Regarding new applications for voter inclusion, Agarwal noted that 3.1 lakh applicants have submitted Form 6 requests. Those applicants experiencing linkage issues with existing records will be summoned shortly for resolution hearings to ensure proper documentation and validation.
Resolving Logical Mismatches
A major focus remains on addressing what officials term "logical mismatches" affecting 94.5 lakh voters. The commission expects to complete hearings on these cases soon. Within this category, over 50.9 lakh cases involve father's name discrepancies, while 28.2 lakh voters aged 45-plus were missing from the 2002 electoral list, creating historical data inconsistencies that require correction.
The systematic approach combining additional human resources, targeted training, and methodical hearing processes demonstrates the Election Commission's commitment to producing an accurate and reliable final voter roll ahead of the February publication deadline.
