Amid concerns of unlisted documents being accepted as valid in West Bengal’s voter list hearings, the Election Commission of India has instructed special roll observers and micro-observers to daily report such instances. The Election Commission has detailed a specific process for reporting cases of unlisted documents being approved. If a micro-observer disagrees with the decision on document acceptability, they are required to raise objections with the electoral registration officer or assistant electoral registration officer.
Sources reveal that if objections raised by micro-observers are disregarded by the electoral officers, they are to escalate the matter to the special roll observers. These observers will review the objections and bring them to the attention of the District Magistrates and District Electoral Officers. Additionally, they will assess decisions made by the Magistrates and Officers and report any disagreements to the Election Commission through the Chief Electoral Officer’s office.
The Election Commission has clarified that Madhyamik examination admit cards alone will not be considered as valid identity proof. Admit cards will only be accepted if presented alongside the Madhyamik examination pass certificate. There is a likelihood of extending the deadlines for completing the voter list hearings and publishing the final list, as per sources from the Chief Electoral Officer’s office. However, the exact extension period for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision in West Bengal remains unspecified. The current deadline for hearing sessions is February 7, with the final voters’ list scheduled for publication.
