In a significant development concerning electoral preparedness, the number of polling stations flagged for having 'Zero Uncollectable' forms in West Bengal has seen a dramatic reduction. This follows direct intervention and scrutiny by the Election Commission of India (EC).
Sharp Decline After EC Intervention
The Election Commission had earlier identified a concerning figure of 2,208 polling stations across several districts where the 'Uncollectable' form, a crucial document for voters who cannot be located, showed zero entries. The EC promptly sought detailed reports from the concerned District Election Officers (DEOs), who also serve as District Magistrates. After receiving these reports on Tuesday, the number of such problematic booths plummeted to just 480, marking a substantial drop of 1,728 stations.
Sources close to the matter stated, "The number has gone down significantly by 1,728. The EC will scrutinize the reports and take further action." This indicates that the initial data may have involved discrepancies or reporting errors that are now being rectified under the Commission's watchful eye.
District-Wise Breakdown and Key Areas
A closer look at the updated numbers reveals that South 24 Parganas district continues to have the highest concentration of these polling stations, accounting for 159 of the remaining 480. Within this district, the assembly segments of Raidighi (66 booths), Kulpi (58), Magrahat (15), and Patharpratima (20) are under particular focus.
It is noteworthy that in the original list of 2,208 stations, South 24 Parganas was also the top contributor with 760 booths. Other districts that featured prominently on that initial list included:
- Purulia: 228 booths
- Murshidabad: 226 booths
- Malda: 216 booths
- Nadia: 130 booths
- Bankura: 101 booths
Implications and Next Steps for Election Integrity
The 'Uncollectable' form is a vital instrument in the electoral process, used to record instances where election officials are unable to deliver voter slips or communication to registered individuals at their given address. A 'zero' entry in this register across many booths can raise questions about the thoroughness of the voter verification process and the accuracy of the electoral roll.
The EC's swift action in seeking reports and the subsequent drastic reduction in numbers highlight the Commission's proactive approach to ensuring a clean and inclusive electoral roll ahead of the polls. The ongoing scrutiny of the submitted reports suggests that the Commission is committed to addressing any remaining anomalies. Further directives or corrective measures are expected as the EC analyzes the district-level explanations in detail.
This episode underscores the critical role of continuous monitoring and verification in the lead-up to elections, ensuring that every eligible voter is accounted for and can exercise their franchise without hindrance.
