Why Did the ECI Issue Show-Cause Notices to 778 Micro-Observers in Bengal?
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Synopsis
In a surprising move, the Election Commission of India has issued show-cause notices to 778 micro-observers in West Bengal. This action follows their failure to attend mandatory training sessions and participate in the electoral review process. Discover the implications of this decision and what it means for the upcoming elections in the state.
Key Takeaways
- ECI issues notices to 778 micro-observers for non-compliance.
- Training sessions were mandatory for participation in the electoral review.
- Micro-observers are primarily selected from government employees.
- Strict deadlines have been set for responses to the notices.
- Failure to respond may lead to disciplinary actions.
Kolkata, Dec 27 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued show-cause notices to 778 micro-observers who were specially designated to oversee and evaluate the hearing sessions regarding claims and objections concerning the draft voters' list in West Bengal, commencing from Saturday, as per official sources.
A source from the office of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) reported that a training session lasting an entire day was held at Nazrul Mach in Kolkata on December 24 for these micro-observers.
"The 778 micro-observers not only failed to attend the training but also indicated their unwillingness to engage in the review and supervision of the hearing sessions. Consequently, a show-cause notice was issued, inquiring why the Commission should not take disciplinary action against them for their breach of duty," stated the source from the CEO's office.
These micro-observers have been instructed to respond to the notices within the next 48 hours; failure to do so could lead to actions including suspension from their roles.
The micro-observers were selected from among direct Central government employees or staff from Central public sector undertakings and public sector banks, primarily from Group-B and a few from Group-A.
All appointed micro-observers are currently posted within West Bengal.
Initially, the Trinamool Congress raised concerns that micro-observers were appointed from outside the state.
However, the CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal clarified that all appointed micro-observers are based in the state.
A total of 4,600 micro-observers have been designated to oversee and review the hearing sessions.
The Commission had also outlined the specific responsibilities to be undertaken by the micro-observers during these sessions.
Point of View
The issuance of show-cause notices to micro-observers signals a strong stance by the Election Commission of India on electoral integrity. This action underscores the importance of adherence to regulations in maintaining a fair electoral process. The transparency in appointing these micro-observers from within the state reflects an effort to bolster trust in the upcoming elections.
NationPress
30/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the reasons behind the show-cause notices?
The show-cause notices were issued because 778 micro-observers failed to attend mandatory training sessions and expressed their inability to participate in the electoral review process.
What is the deadline for the micro-observers to respond?
The micro-observers have been given 48 hours to respond to the show-cause notices, failing which disciplinary actions may be taken.
Who are the micro-observers appointed by the ECI?
The micro-observers are primarily direct Central government employees and personnel from public sector undertakings and banks, currently posted in West Bengal.
What is the total number of micro-observers appointed?
A total of 4,600 micro-observers have been appointed to oversee the electoral hearing sessions in West Bengal.
What actions can be taken against the micro-observers?
If the micro-observers fail to respond to the notices, they may face disciplinary actions, including potential suspension from their roles.
