ECI Intensifies Scrutiny in Bengal's Electoral Roll Revision
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has commenced a rigorous verification phase for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, marking a significant escalation in oversight efforts. This enhanced scrutiny, officially termed 'Super Checking' by ECI officials, aims to meticulously examine all documents uploaded during the hearing process to ensure procedural integrity and compliance with established guidelines.
Comprehensive Teams Deployed for Document Verification
Multiple specialized teams have been constituted to execute this critical verification drive. Each team comprises one roll observer and twenty-five micro observers, tasked with evaluating whether the voter list revision process adhered to the Commission's protocols. Their primary objective is to identify any instances where documents not explicitly approved by the ECI were accepted during the hearings, thereby safeguarding the sanctity of the electoral roll.
Immediate Anomalies Detected and Consequences Outlined
ECI sources have revealed that several anomalies came to light on the very first day of the 'Super Checking' operation. These irregularities include cases where, for a voter who appeared at a hearing, a passport was recorded as the verified document, yet images of an Aadhaar card and PAN card were uploaded instead, with no passport photo provided. An ECI official emphasized that such discrepancies are not mere oversights but indicate potential deliberate wrongdoing.
The Commission has issued a stern warning regarding the outcomes of this verification. "After verifying all documents during 'Super Checking', if it is proven that someone has submitted documents not mentioned in the approved list, the concerned voter will be treated as invalid, and their name will be struck off the final SIR list," stated an ECI source. This underscores the zero-tolerance approach towards any procedural lapses.
Background of Complaints and Observers' Reports
The initiation of 'Super Checking' follows numerous complaints alleging irregularities in the document uploading process during SIR hearings. Special observers appointed by the ECI have submitted detailed reports identifying specific instances of misconduct and naming the electoral registration officers (EROs) and assistant electoral registration officers (AEROs) responsible. These reports have been instrumental in prompting this intensified scrutiny phase.
Previously, the ECI deputed retired IAS officer Subrata Gupta as the special roll observer for West Bengal. Under his supervision, roll observers and over 7,000 micro observers were deployed to oversee the hearing process, laying the groundwork for the current 'Super Checking' initiative.
High-Level ECI Visit to Monitor SIR Process
In a related development, Deputy Election Commissioner Sanjay Kumar arrived in West Bengal on Thursday for a three-day visit. During his stay, Kumar and his team are scheduled to visit several districts across both North Bengal and South Bengal to personally oversee the SIR process. This high-level visit highlights the Commission's commitment to ensuring a transparent and accurate electoral roll revision in the state.
The 'Super Checking' phase represents a proactive measure by the ECI to address grievances and reinforce trust in the electoral system. By rigorously verifying documents and holding officials accountable, the Commission aims to uphold the principles of free and fair elections in West Bengal.
