West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer's Office Set for Strategic Relocation Ahead of Crucial Assembly Elections
In a significant administrative move, the office of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) is poised to shift from its current location at the Balmer Lawrie premises on Netaji Subhas Bose Road to the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) building on Strand Road. According to Election Commission officials in Kolkata, this relocation is expected to occur within the next week, marking a pivotal change as the state prepares for upcoming assembly elections.
Addressing Space Constraints and Operational Challenges
The decision to expedite the move stems from a severe space crunch at the Balmer Lawrie building, which has created logistical hurdles in accommodating election observers, micro-observers, and other essential officials. Bengal CEO Manoj Agwarwal confirmed the shift, stating, "We will shift as soon as the office at the new premises is ready." Interior work is currently in progress on the two floors that the Election Commission has taken on rent at the SCI building, with electrical wiring and restroom renovations underway to ensure a smooth transition.
Phased Relocation to Ensure Efficiency and Security
Officials have outlined a phased approach to the relocation to minimize disruptions. An official explained, "People will move in first. Files and other documents will be gradually shifted so that they do not get lost in transit." This careful planning is crucial given the office's busy schedule since November, when the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) process began, attracting numerous political visits to the current congested BBD area location.
Strategic Selection of New Premises
The Election Commission had proposed shifting the CEO's office to a more spacious address nearly six months ago, citing administrative necessity, space constraints, and security concerns. With the exigency of the Bengal assembly polls in mind, the EC approved the move to the rented SCI building at 13 Strand Road, where the office will occupy the second and third floors. Deputy Election Commissioner Gyanesh Bharti has already inspected the site and received briefings on the sitting zones.
Financial and Logistical Details of the Move
The two floors at the SCI building offer approximately 18,000 square feet of space, a substantial upgrade to alleviate the previous congestion. The monthly rent for the property is estimated to be around Rs 16 lakh, translating to just under Rs 2 crore annually. Sources indicate that this rental cost is comparable to that of the Balmer Lawrie office at 21 NS Road. Notably, the SCI building was preferred over alternatives like Telephone Bhawan in BBD Bag due to its superior parking facilities, which address a major hassle experienced at the current location.
During previous election cycles, the CEO's office had resorted to leasing additional floors in the Balmer Lawrie building to manage space issues. This permanent shift to the SCI building represents a long-term solution aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and security as West Bengal gears up for a critical electoral period.
