Will Only Central Government Officials Serve as Micro Observers for West Bengal's Hearing Sessions?
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Synopsis
In a pivotal move, the Election Commission of India has restricted the appointment of micro observers for West Bengal's hearing sessions exclusively to Central government officials. This decision underscores the importance of ensuring a transparent and orderly electoral process in the state as the Assembly elections approach.
Key Takeaways
- The ECI has appointed only Central government officials as micro observers for hearing sessions.
- The hearing sessions are part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
- Micro observers will ensure adherence to guidelines during the sessions.
- The final voters’ list will be published on February 14.
- Security measures are in place for the observers' safety.
Kolkata, Dec 19 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made a significant decision to appoint only Central government officials as micro observers for the upcoming hearing sessions regarding claims and objections on the draft voters’ list for West Bengal, which was released on December 16.
The hearing sessions, a crucial part of the second phase of the three-part Special Intensive Revision (SIR), are set to commence next week.
An insider from the CEO’s office indicated that the officials selected to act as micro observers can be either direct Central government employees, officials from Central public sector undertakings, or representatives from various public sector banks.
Those chosen for the role of micro observers will belong to the Group B category or higher.
“A request was sent from the CEO’s office to the ECI headquarters in New Delhi for authorization to appoint micro observers for the hearing session. The Commission’s headquarters responded on Friday afternoon, granting permission for these appointments,” revealed a source from the CEO’s office.
The primary duty of the micro observers will be to monitor that the hearing sessions on claims and objections are conducted by the electoral registration officers (EROs) in accordance with the guidelines established by the Commission.
Additionally, the micro observers will operate under the oversight of the special roll observers, who are either current or retired Indian Administrative Service officers appointed by the Commission to evaluate the ongoing SIR process in the state, which commenced on November 4.
The District Magistrates and District Electoral Officers will be tasked with ensuring the safety of both the special roll observers and the micro observers.
The final voters’ list is scheduled to be published on February 14 next year, after which the Commission will announce the dates for the crucial Assembly elections.
The ECI has also submitted a request to the Union Home Ministry for the immediate deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to secure the CEO’s office in central Kolkata.
It is understood that, according to the ECI’s proposal, the CAPF deployment will remain in place until the model code of conduct is enacted in the state, following the announcement of the Assembly election dates.
Point of View
The decision by the ECI to utilize only Central government officials as micro observers reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability in the electoral process. It is vital for maintaining public confidence in the democratic system, especially during such crucial times. Ensuring that the electoral process is conducted fairly is paramount, and this measure is a step in that direction.
NationPress
21/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will be appointed as micro observers for the hearing sessions?
Only Central government officials will be appointed as micro observers for the hearing sessions on the claims and objections regarding the draft voters’ list.
When will the hearing sessions begin?
The hearing sessions are set to commence next week.
What is the main responsibility of the micro observers?
The primary task of the micro observers is to ensure that the hearing sessions are conducted by the electoral registration officers in accordance with the guidelines established by the Election Commission.
When will the final voters’ list be published?
The final voters’ list is expected to be published on February 14 next year.
What security measures are being taken for the observers?
The District Magistrates and District Electoral Officers will ensure the safety of both the special roll observers and the micro observers.
