Election Commission's Micro-Observers Intensify Scrutiny of Bengal Voter Documents
In Kolkata, the Election Commission of India has initiated a rigorous phase of document verification following the completion of special intensive revision hearings for electoral rolls in West Bengal. Micro-observers are now meticulously examining electors' enumeration forms and documents uploaded by Booth Level Officers and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers. Their primary task is to identify and mark cases that do not adhere to the Election Commission's stringent rules and guidelines.
Background of Staffing Standoff and Scrutiny Targets
This intensified scrutiny unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing tensions between the Election Commission and the West Bengal government. The dispute centers on the appointment of 8,505 additional staff members requested by the EC to oversee the scrutiny and hearing processes. A senior EC official disclosed that micro-observers must review approximately 50 lakh out of a total 1.5 crore documents belonging to electors with unmapped and logical discrepancies.
"Micro-observers have, so far, scrutinised about one crore documents and flagged over 10 lakh cases that don't conform to the EC's rules and guidelines and the Supreme Court order," the official stated. "They need to check another 50 lakh cases, of which the District Election Officers have already verified 35 lakh."
Expanded Role and Deadline for Micro-Observers
The Election Commission has deployed over 8,000 micro-observers across West Bengal specifically for this special intensive revision exercise. Historically, these officials were limited to checking documents at hearing centers. However, since February 2, their responsibilities have expanded to include active participation in the scrutiny process itself. According to the EC's established schedule, all scrutiny of electors' documents must be concluded by February 21, creating a tight timeline for completion.
Feedback from Booth Level Officers on Document Rejections
On Sunday, several Booth Level Officers reported that the Election Commission is returning numerous electors' enumeration forms and documents after initial scrutiny. These BLOs have been instructed to recollect documents specified by the commission for the special intensive revision exercise. A BLO based in Howrah, who requested anonymity, informed The Times of India that enumeration forms and documents for as many as 26 electors were sent back by afternoon.
"Upon scrutiny, the EC officials deemed the documents of these electors improper, and I have to collect from them the EC-specified documents and upload them afresh," the BLO explained.
Another BLO from Tollygunge, Arup Mondal, added, "As my supervisor told me, we do not need to be present during the scrutiny of the documents. If objections are raised, we have to seek documents afresh from the electors and upload them again. Till last night, I uploaded all the documents of the electors who attended the SIR hearing."
Challenges in Document Uploading and Ongoing Scrutiny
Even though the hearing for electors summoned due to unmapping and logical discrepancies concluded on Saturday, some Booth Level Officers acknowledged they have not yet finished uploading all required documents. The scrutiny of these documents is currently ongoing, indicating potential delays in the process. This situation highlights the logistical challenges faced in ensuring all electoral documents meet the Election Commission's standards within the stipulated timeframe.
The Election Commission's proactive approach aims to enhance the accuracy and integrity of West Bengal's electoral rolls, ensuring they comply with legal requirements and Supreme Court directives. The outcome of this scrutiny could significantly impact voter registration and future electoral processes in the state.
