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Bengal Polls: CEC To Review Booth Infrastructure With Observers

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar will hold a virtual meeting with poll observers to address infrastructure concerns at West Bengal's polling booths ahead of the assembly elections. The Commission, dissatisfied with initial reports, has directed the state to appoint a secretary-level officer in each district to inspect and improve facilities. Concurrently, the state has issued guidelines for 'dry days', closing liquor outlets before and during each phase of polling. The two-phase elections are scheduled for April 23 and 29, with counting on May 4.

Key Points: CEC Reviews Bengal Poll Booth Infrastructure Before Elections

  • CEC to chair virtual meeting on booth infrastructure
  • Commission directs secretary-level officer in each district
  • Dry day guidelines issued for two-phase polling
  • First phase for 152 seats on April 23
2 min read

Bengal polls: CEC to meet observers on booth infrastructure

CEC Gyanesh Kumar holds virtual meeting with poll observers to improve West Bengal's polling booth infrastructure ahead of two-phase assembly elections.

"The Commission is not satisfied with the polling booths' infrastructure as per the initial reports - Insider, CEO Office"

Kolkata, April 7

The Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, will hold a virtual meeting with all Election Commission of India-appointed poll observers for West Bengal on Wednesday to discuss the current polling booths' infrastructure in the state for the forthcoming two-phase assembly elections scheduled later this month.

An insider from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, said the Commission is not satisfied with the polling booths' infrastructure as per the initial reports received by the office of the CEC.

The insider added that the CEC had decided to chair the virtual meeting with the poll observers and discuss how the polling booths' infrastructure in the state can be improved to the maximum before the first phase of polling on April 23.

Already, the Commission has directed the state secretariat to appoint a secretary-level officer in each district to inspect booth infrastructure, identify areas for improvement, and suggest corrective measures.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the state secretariat issued a notification detailing the guidelines for "dry days" to be followed in the state for the two-phase polling and the counting.

The first phase of polling for 152 assembly constituencies will be on April 23. All liquor outlets, including off-shops, on-shops, and bars, will remain closed in areas under the jurisdiction of these constituencies from 6 p.m. on April 21 till the end of polling on April 23.

The second phase of polling for 142 assembly constituencies will be on April 29. All liquor outlets, including off-shops, on-shops, and bars, will remain closed in areas under the jurisdiction of these constituencies from 6 p.m. on April 27 till the end of polling on April 29.

The counting will be on May 4. On that day, all liquor outlets will remain closed throughout the state for the entire day. In case of any re-poll, the same "dry day" formula will be applicable for liquor outlets in the areas concerned.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
The focus on 'dry days' is also important. It helps maintain law and order. Elections in Bengal can get very heated, so restricting alcohol sales is a sensible precaution. Safety of voters and officials should be the top priority.
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Rahul R
Why is the infrastructure still not up to the mark so close to the polls? This should have been sorted months ago. Feels like last-minute firefighting. The EC needs to be more proactive, not reactive.
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Meera T
Appointing a secretary-level officer in each district is a good step. Accountability is key. Hope they also ensure the booths are accessible for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. That's often overlooked.
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David E
Observing from outside, it's impressive to see the scale of planning for Indian elections. The logistical challenge is enormous. Virtual meetings with observers are a smart use of technology to coordinate quickly.
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Anjali F
All this is fine, but what about ensuring a completely free and fair atmosphere? Infrastructure is one thing, but preventing intimidation and violence near booths is equally critical. Hope the observers are empowered for that too.

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