Is the ECI Planning to Appoint Micro Observers for the Second Stage of SIR in Bengal?
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Synopsis
The Election Commission of India is mulling the addition of micro observers for the second phase of West Bengal's Special Intensive Revision. This important phase, starting December 16, aims to maintain transparency in the electoral process amidst demands from opposition parties to prevent manipulation.
Key Takeaways
- The ECI is considering micro observers for transparency in the electoral process.
- The second phase of SIR starts on December 16, focusing on claims and objections.
- Over 5.5 million names may be excluded from the voters' list.
- Progeny mapping is being conducted to verify parentage details in the voters' list.
- The final electoral roll will be published on February 14.
Kolkata, Dec 8 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) is contemplating the appointment of micro observers for the second phase of the three-tier Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal, set to commence following the release of the draft electoral roll on December 16.
This second phase will include the submission of claims and objections, alongside a notice phase—covering the issuance, hearing, verification, and resolution of enumeration forms, which will be managed concurrently by the Electoral Registration Officers (EROs).
These micro observers will complement the existing 12 special observers, all of whom are serving or retired officers from the Indian Administrative Services, who have already been appointed by the ECI to supervise the revision activities in the state that began on November 4, as reported by sources from the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) office in Kolkata.
The ECI has summoned these 12 observers to New Delhi for a crucial meeting at the ECI headquarters on Monday, where they will outline guidelines necessary to uphold the integrity of the revision process for this second stage, potentially including the appointment of micro observers.
“Nearly all opposition parties have called for the appointment of micro observers during this phase to avert any possible manipulation. The ECI has acknowledged the validity of these requests,” disclosed an insider from the CEO's office.
Upon completing the second phase, the final stage—the publication of the final electoral roll—will occur on February 14. Following this publication, the ECI is expected to announce the dates for the significant Assembly elections in the state.
With the digitization of enumeration forms nearing completion, over 5.5 million names have been identified as potentially excludable from the voters' list. This includes deceased voters, untraceable individuals, those who have relocated, duplicate entries, and others deemed removable for various reasons.
The ECI has directed electoral officers in the state to concentrate on detailed “progeny” mapping due to serious inconsistencies detected concerning the identities of parents in the current voters' list as of October 27.
“Progeny” mapping aims to verify whether the names of a voter's parents on the current voters' list correspond with those on the 2002 list, the last time SIR was conducted in West Bengal.
The total number of voters recorded in the list as of October 27 stands at 76,637,529.
Point of View
The Election Commission's consideration of micro observers reinforces its commitment to electoral integrity. This move, amidst pressures from opposition parties, highlights the importance of transparency in the electoral process, fostering trust in democracy.
NationPress
09/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are micro observers?
Micro observers are appointed by the Election Commission to monitor the electoral process closely, ensuring transparency and integrity during elections.
When does the second phase of SIR begin?
The second phase of the Special Intensive Revision will commence on December 16, following the publication of the draft electoral roll.
What is the purpose of the Special Intensive Revision?
The SIR aims to update and verify the electoral rolls, ensuring that the voter list is accurate and up-to-date.
Why are opposition parties demanding micro observers?
Opposition parties believe that micro observers will help prevent potential manipulation during the electoral revision process.
When is the final electoral roll expected to be published?
The final electoral roll is scheduled to be published on February 14.
