West Bengal Submits Partial Compliance Report to Election Commission Ahead of Deadline
West Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty informed the Election Commission on Tuesday that the state government has partially complied with several directives issued by the poll panel. This submission was made within the February 17, 5:30 PM deadline set by the Election Commission for addressing critical electoral administration issues.
Completed Actions: FIRs Filed and Officer Suspensions
The state government confirmed it has taken action on specific Election Commission orders. First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered against four officers for alleged violations of data security protocols. Additionally, the Basirhat assistant electoral registration officer (AERO) has been suspended as directed by the commission.
Pending Compliance Issues Remain Critical
However, significant compliance gaps persist that could impact election preparedness. The state government has not yet acted on the Election Commission's February 13 directive to cancel transfer orders for three electoral roll observers: Aswini Kumar Yadav, Randhir Kumar, and Smita Pandey. These transfers were executed without prior consultation with the Election Commission, violating established protocols.
Furthermore, West Bengal has failed to submit a proposal for appointing returning officers (ROs) and electoral registration officers (EROs) according to Election Commission criteria. The norms require these positions to be filled by officers at the level of sub-divisional magistrate (SDM), sub-divisional officer (SDO), or revenue divisional officer.
Currently, the state falls short of these standards:
- Only 67 of West Bengal's 294 assembly constituencies have ROs of SDO/SDM rank
- Only 68 constituencies have EROs meeting the required officer level criteria
Election Commission's Response and Additional Actions
Election Commission sources confirmed receipt of the compliance letter from West Bengal's chief secretary. The commission, currently visiting Assam, stated it "shall examine the letter upon its return" to headquarters.
In related developments, West Bengal's chief electoral officer announced the suspension of three micro observers based on reports from Election Commission-appointed district electoral roll observers. A social media post emphasized that "electoral roll micro observers being under deputation to ECI are directed to perform their duties diligently and not to outsource/delegate their work to anyone else, failing which they will be liable for the consequences."
This follows the Election Commission's suspension of seven AEROs in West Bengal just days earlier for "dereliction of duty."
Background: The Original Compliance Demands
During a meeting with West Bengal's chief secretary last week, the Election Commission outlined multiple requirements with the February 17 deadline:
- Payment of honorarium to Booth Level Officers (BLOs)
- Appointment of suitable State Investigation Register/poll-related officers
- Rescinding unilateral transfers of roll observers
- Registration of FIRs against errant officers
It should be noted that the February 17 deadline specifically excluded pending honorarium dues, which remain a separate issue for resolution.
