Feb 19: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided to issue show-cause notices to concerned Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) in West Bengal for failing to upload a large number of voters’ documents online under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
According to an official source, nearly 1.15 lakh documents remain pending for upload even four days after the hearing process concluded. The Commission had issued clear instructions that all applications must be processed in a time-bound and transparent manner.
Procedural Lapses Alleged
The Commission had specifically directed that in cases where applications are rejected, the exact reason must be clearly recorded and communicated. However, allegations have surfaced that this guideline has not been followed in several instances.
In addition, reports suggest that the disposal process has been slow in some areas, with sudden system failures further hampering progress. Citing these procedural lapses and administrative shortcomings, the ECI has decided to initiate disciplinary action by issuing show-cause notices to the responsible officials.
The Special Intensive Revision process is aimed at updating and verifying electoral rolls to ensure accuracy and transparency ahead of future elections.
Political Allegations and Clarification
Meanwhile, the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has alleged that Special Roll Observer C. Murugan violated an order of the Supreme Court of India by issuing directions to officers via WhatsApp.
Responding to the allegations, Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agrawal clarified that Mr Murugan had not issued any independent instructions. He stated that the Special Roll Observer had merely explained the Commission’s existing directions to officers.
Mr Agrawal further said that Mr Murugan would be spoken to in light of the complaint lodged by the Trinamool Congress. However, no official response has been received from the Chief Electoral Officer’s office regarding the party’s demand for Mr Murugan’s resignation.
Focus on Transparency
The developments come amid heightened political scrutiny over the electoral roll revision process in West Bengal. The ECI has reiterated its commitment to maintaining transparency, procedural compliance and accountability in the revision of voter lists.
By issuing show-cause notices, the Commission aims to ensure that officials adhere strictly to established guidelines and that electoral processes remain fair and credible.
