Kolkata, 23 January (H.S.) :
Taking serious note of complaints regarding the acceptance of unauthorised identity documents during hearings on claims and objections to the draft electoral roll under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision in West Bengal, the Election Commission of India has adopted a strict approach and issued fresh directions to ensure transparency in the process.
The Commission has instructed micro-observers and special roll observers to submit daily reports directly to the Election Commission on any irregularities related to document authentication.
According to sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, the Election Commission has made it clear that if a micro-observer disagrees with a decision taken by an electoral registration officer or an assistant electoral registration officer regarding the validity of any document during a hearing, the micro-observer must immediately record a written objection.
If the document is accepted despite such objections, the matter is to be escalated to the special roll observer. The special roll observer will place the objection before the concerned district magistrate and district election officer and also review their decisions. In case of any disagreement, the entire matter will be forwarded to the Election Commission through the office of the Chief Electoral Officer.
The Election Commission has also clarified that admit cards of the Madhyamik (secondary) examination conducted by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education will not be accepted as standalone identity proof. Such admit cards will be considered valid only when submitted in conjunction with the Madhyamik pass certificate.
Sources further indicated that the deadlines for completing hearings on claims and objections, as well as the publication of the final electoral roll, may be extended. At present, the last date for completion of the hearings is February 7, while a final decision on the publication date of the electoral roll is still awaited.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
