Election Commission Sets Deadline for West Bengal Government Compliance
The Election Commission of India has issued a firm directive to West Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravarty, mandating full compliance with its orders by 5:30 PM on February 17. This ultimatum covers critical election-related matters, including the payment of honorarium to Booth Level Officers (BLOs), the appointment of suitable officers, and the cancellation of unilateral transfers.
Key Issues Highlighted by the Election Commission
During a meeting held in New Delhi on Friday, the Election Commission summoned Chakravarty to address pending issues with the West Bengal government. The commission had previously sent multiple reminders, with the latest communication on February 4, 2026, requesting a compliance report by February 9, 2026.
One of the primary concerns is the state government's failure to disburse the full honorarium to BLOs. As per EC guidelines, BLOs are entitled to Rs 13,000, but the West Bengal government has only paid Rs 7,000. Additionally, BLO supervisors, who should receive Rs 20,000 as per EC norms, have not been paid at all. The chief secretary has been instructed to release the pending amounts immediately.
Directives on Legal and Administrative Actions
The Election Commission has also emphasized compliance with its directive dated August 5, 2025, regarding the registration of FIRs against two electoral registration officers, two assistant electoral registration officers, and one data entry operator. These individuals are accused of failing to perform their statutory duties and violating data security policies. A reminder in this case was last sent to West Bengal on January 2, 2026.
Furthermore, the commission has pressed for the suspension of Basirhat assistant electoral registration officer Sumitra Pratim Pradhan. Pradhan allegedly deployed 11 additional assistant electoral registration officers without authorization, issuing orders that contravene statutory provisions. This directive was originally issued on January 25.
Transfer Orders and Electoral Roll Observers
In another significant move, the Election Commission has directed the chief secretary to cancel transfer orders issued by the state government for three electoral roll observers. These transfers were made without consulting the commission, highlighting concerns over unilateral administrative decisions that could impact election integrity.
The commission's actions underscore its commitment to ensuring fair and transparent electoral processes in West Bengal, as the state prepares for upcoming polls. The deadline of February 17 is seen as a critical step in addressing these compliance gaps and reinforcing electoral governance standards.
