Election Commission clarifies role of micro-observers in West Bengal

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has specified that in West Bengal, district magistrates (DMs) serving as district electoral officers (DEOs) will not have authority over the micro-observers assigned to oversee the hearing sessions on claims and objections to the draft voters’ list. The micro-observers will report solely to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, and the special roll observers designated by the ECI for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in the state. These micro-observers will operate under the direct supervision of special roll observers, who are either current or retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers. However, the DMs and DEOs will be responsible for providing logistical support and ensuring the security of the micro-observers during their activities in the respective districts. The hearing sessions for the second phase of the SIR exercise are set to begin on December 27, following the publication of the draft voters’ list on December 16. Approximately 3,000 micro-observers, including Central government employees or those from Central public sector undertakings or public sector banks at Group-B level or higher, will be appointed for these sessions. The claims and objections hearings will take place exclusively at the offices of the DMs or DEOs. The SIR exercise in West Bengal commenced on November 4 and will culminate with the release of the final voters’ list on February 14 next year. Subsequently, the ECI will announce the dates for the Assembly elections.