The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to appoint 2,000 additional micro-observers for the verification of claims and objections to the draft voters’ list in West Bengal. These micro-observers will assist in addressing the large number of logical discrepancy cases identified during “progeny mapping” and the diverse discrepancies found in voter records. The decision to increase the number of micro-observers was made to ensure a thorough examination of cases without compromising the integrity of the voter list.
With a significant number of logical discrepancy cases amounting to nine lakhs, various forms of discrepancies have been detected among the voters. The ECI aims to complete the hearing process before the final voters’ list is published on February 14 this year. The Commission is committed to safeguarding genuine voters’ rights by preventing the deletion of legitimate voters while ensuring the removal of fake voters from the list.
Training for the newly appointed 2,000 micro-observers is scheduled for January 15, following which they will be deployed to different hearing centers. These micro-observers, drawn from Central government staff or central public sector undertakings, will play a crucial role in the verification process exclusive to West Bengal, distinct from other states and union territories undergoing parallel Special Intensive Revisions (SIRs).
The ECI has warned micro-observers in West Bengal of strict disciplinary measures for any intentional deviation from the prescribed standard operating procedure (SOP). Additionally, the Commission has appointed four special roll observers for the state, with one of their key responsibilities being the evaluation of micro-observers’ performance during the hearing sessions.
