What Are the Ongoing Uncertainties Regarding the Review of Election Booth Maintenance Work in Bengal?
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Synopsis
As the deadline for reviewing election booth maintenance in Bengal has passed, uncertainties loom large. This evaluation is critical for upcoming Assembly polls, revealing the necessity for further maintenance and potential funding allocations. The ongoing tussle between the Election Commission and state government adds tension to the situation, raising questions about accountability.
Key Takeaways
- The deadline for reviewing election booth maintenance in Bengal has expired.
- No communication has been received from Mackintosh Burn regarding the review.
- The review is crucial for upcoming Assembly elections.
- Conflicts have arisen between the Election Commission and the state government over agency selection.
- Legal repercussions may follow if Mackintosh Burn fails to comply.
Kolkata, Oct 23 (NationPress) Uncertainties persist concerning the commencement of the evaluation of booth-level infrastructure maintenance, known technically as Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) and Extended Minimum Facilities (EMF), which was executed in West Bengal throughout the last three elections.
The timeline set by the Chief Electoral Officer's (CEO) office in West Bengal for Mackintosh Burn Limited (MBL) to initiate the review has expired.
Insiders from the CEO's office stated that no correspondence has been received from the state-owned company regarding this issue.
“It is crucial to evaluate the booth-level infrastructure maintenance work conducted in West Bengal during the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections, along with the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, to ascertain the necessary further maintenance ahead of the significant Assembly polls scheduled for next year.
“As such, the CEO’s office established a deadline for Mackintosh Burn to commence the review work, which has now lapsed,” noted a source within the CEO’s office.
Manoj Kumar Agarwal, the CEO of West Bengal, is currently in New Delhi attending a pivotal two-day meeting with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the CEOs from various states, which began on Wednesday.
Agarwal is anticipated to return to Kolkata on Thursday night, where he will determine the next steps regarding discussions with Mackintosh Burn's management.
A source from the CEO’s office emphasized that reviewing the AMF and EMF from the previous three elections is essential for understanding what additional maintenance work is required, ensuring that election funds can be appropriately allocated.
A new conflict has already emerged between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the West Bengal government concerning the selection of an agency to perform the AMF and EMF at polling booths prior to the upcoming Assembly elections.
To recall, Mackintosh Burn initially consented to undertake the booth-level infrastructure maintenance task, but later withdrew from this obligation. Subsequently, last week, the CEO’s office issued a strongly-worded communication to the firm's management, wherein the ECI and the CEO’s office invoked their authority under specific sections of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, instructing the state government undertaking to fulfill the agreed-upon AMF tasks.
In a recent communication from the Additional Chief Electoral Officer to the Director of Mackintosh Burn, the company was urged to commence preparatory work for the election booth maintenance activities or face repercussions under current legal statutes, including potential criminal charges against the company's directors under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Point of View
It is essential to highlight that the ongoing uncertainties surrounding the booth maintenance review in West Bengal underscore the critical importance of transparency and accountability in the electoral process. As the stakes rise with upcoming elections, ensuring that infrastructure is adequately maintained is paramount for a fair and efficient democratic process.
NationPress
23/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AMF and EMF in elections?
AMF stands for Assured Minimum Facilities, and EMF stands for Extended Minimum Facilities. These terms refer to the infrastructure maintenance work required for polling booths during elections.
Why is the review of booth-level infrastructure important?
The review is essential to determine what additional maintenance is needed to ensure that polling booths are equipped and ready for the upcoming elections, particularly in light of the significant Assembly polls ahead.
What actions can the Election Commission take against Mackintosh Burn?
The Election Commission can invoke legal provisions under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to enforce compliance and potentially initiate criminal proceedings against the directors if necessary.
