Enhanced Scrutiny: Special Roll Observers Appointed in West Bengal

The Election Commission has appointed five senior IAS officers as Special Roll Observers to oversee the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal. This move aims to ensure enhanced scrutiny, transparency, and compliance with EC norms across the state's divisions.

The Election Commission has intensified its efforts to ensure the transparency of West Bengal's electoral process by appointing five senior IAS officers as Special Roll Observers (SRO). These officers have been designated for different state divisions, tasked with overseeing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

As detailed by officials, senior officials from various ministries have been given distinct responsibilities: Kumar Ravi Kant Singh (Ministry of Defence) for the Presidency division, Niraj Kumar Bansod (Ministry of Home Affairs) for Medinipur, Krishna Kumar Nirala (Ministry of Information & Broadcasting) for Burdwan, Alok Tiwari (Department of Economic Affairs) for Malda, and Pankaj Yadav (Department of Rural Development) for Jalpaiguri.

The SROs are expected to follow through with the SIR exercise, which started on November 4 and ends on December 11, with the final voters' list anticipated by February 14, 2026. The initiative, supported by a panel of 12 IAS officers as Electoral Roll Observers, is a significant push towards ensuring meticulous electoral practices throughout the state.

(With inputs from agencies.)