Kolkata, 24 March (H.S.): The Government of West Bengal has issued detailed guidelines for all departments and officials to ensure that the upcoming Assembly elections in the state are conducted in a free, fair and violence-free manner.

According to an official notification issued by the state secretariat at Nabanna, special emphasis has been laid on six key areas to maintain transparency and order during the electoral process. The administration has made it clear that any form of violence or irregularity during the elections will not be tolerated.

The state government has directed officials to prevent any attempts to intimidate voters and to ensure that every citizen can exercise their franchise without fear or pressure.

The guidelines also stress that the elections must remain free from inducements. Any attempt to influence voters through money or gifts will invite strict action.

The government has also announced a zero-tolerance policy against bogus voting, commonly referred to as booth capturing or proxy voting. Measures have also been outlined to prevent incidents such as blocking polling booths or gathering unlawful crowds near polling stations.

The notification further states that any attempt to obstruct the movement of voters will lead to legal action. All government employees have also been asked to strictly adhere to the Model Code of Conduct.

Nabanna has directed that the guidelines be circulated to all government departments, public sector undertakings, autonomous bodies, municipal institutions and panchayat-level offices. All departments have been asked to submit compliance reports to the designated email address by 5:30 p.m. on March 25.

Administrative sources said the measures have been introduced based on experiences from previous elections to strengthen preventive arrangements in advance. The primary objective, the government said, is to ensure that every voter can exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation.

The notification also warned that strict action would be taken against any official found violating the guidelines or the Model Code of Conduct.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh