Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar reprimands seven District Magistrates in West Bengal over alleged violations during Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, warning of disciplinary action and career impact ahead of final voters’ list publication on February 28.
The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal witnessed a significant development on Friday, as seven District Magistrates (DMs), who also function as District Electoral Officers (DEOs), faced sharp criticism from the Election Commission of India during a high-level virtual review meeting.
The meeting was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, who reportedly expressed serious concerns over alleged violations of Commission-set guidelines during the ongoing electoral roll revision process. The full-bench meeting was attended by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, along with senior officials from the CEO’s office, all District Magistrates-cum-District Electoral Officers, Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs).
Districts Under Scrutiny
According to an insider from the CEO’s office who was present at the meeting, the districts whose bureaucratic heads faced criticism include Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, and East Burdwan.
Each of the concerned DMs/DEOs was reportedly cautioned for different administrative lapses during the Special Intensive Revision process, which is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and transparency of the voters’ list ahead of upcoming electoral exercises.
Delay in Document Uploading
The District Magistrate of Cooch Behar was specifically reprimanded for delays in uploading identity documents submitted during hearings related to claims and objections in the draft electoral roll. The Election Commission emphasized that such delays compromise transparency and procedural integrity, especially during a sensitive phase like electoral roll revision.
Uploading and verifying supporting documents is a key component of the SIR process, which allows eligible citizens to file claims for inclusion and objections against wrongful entries in the draft voters’ list.
Allegations of Dereliction of Duty
The DMs/DEOs of Jalpaiguri, Malda, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and East Midnapore were reportedly pulled up over complaints alleging dereliction of duty. Though specific details of the complaints were not disclosed publicly, the Commission made it clear that any lapse in supervision, monitoring, or procedural compliance would not be tolerated.
In South 24 Parganas, the Commission also sought an explanation from the District Magistrate regarding the absence of disciplinary action against the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) at Bhangar. The officer had allegedly been accused of threatening micro-observers in the presence of a local political leader belonging to the Trinamool Congress. The Commission viewed the matter seriously, underlining the need for administrative neutrality and protection of election observers.
Warning Against Politically Charged Statements
The District Magistrate of East Burdwan was separately advised to refrain from making politically loaded public statements. The Election Commission stressed that bureaucrats involved in the electoral process must maintain strict neutrality and avoid remarks that could be interpreted as partisan.
Maintaining political impartiality is a fundamental expectation from administrative officers engaged in election-related duties. Any deviation from this norm can undermine public trust in the electoral process.
CEC Issues Strong Warning of Disciplinary Action
During the meeting, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar reportedly issued a comprehensive note of caution to all DMs/DEOs in the state. He warned that further reports of negligence or dereliction of duty could lead to disciplinary action. Such action, officials were informed, could also have long-term consequences, including adverse remarks in annual confidential reports, potentially impacting career progression.
The stern message from the Commission signals heightened scrutiny as the Special Intensive Revision enters its final stages.
Key Deadlines Approaching
The extended deadline for hearings on claims and objections to the draft voters’ list is scheduled to expire on Saturday. Following this, the scrutiny of documents submitted during the hearing sessions will continue until February 21.
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The final voters’ list is set to be published on February 28, marking the culmination of the Special Intensive Revision process in West Bengal. With the publication date approaching, the Election Commission appears determined to ensure procedural compliance and administrative accountability at every level.
The developments underscore the Commission’s resolve to maintain transparency and discipline in the electoral roll revision process, which forms the backbone of India’s democratic framework.
