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ECI Seeks Explanation from Bengal Officials Over Unlisted ID Documents

The Election Commission of India has expressed concern and sought explanations from Electoral Registration Officers in West Bengal for accepting identity documents not on its approved list during draft roll hearings. Sources state the Commission is surprised and irked by the number of violations despite repeated instructions limiting valid proof to 13 specified documents. Hearings on claims and objections continue until February 14, with document scrutiny lasting until February 21 ahead of the final roll publication on February 28. Following this, a full ECI bench is expected to visit Kolkata to review the revision before announcing the Assembly election schedule.

Key Points: ECI Questions Bengal Officers on Unlisted ID Proof Acceptance

  • ECI flags unlisted ID docs in Bengal
  • Officials violated 13-document rule
  • Hearings continue till Feb 14
  • Final voter list due Feb 28
  • Full ECI bench visit planned post-revision
2 min read

ECI seeks explanation from Bengal EROs over unlisted ID documents

Election Commission seeks explanation from Bengal EROs for accepting unlisted identity documents during voter roll hearings, violating guidelines.

"Even after that, such a large number of violations has irked the Commission - Source in CEO office"

Kolkata, Feb 12

The Election Commission of India has expressed concern over instances of "unlisted" documents being accepted as supporting identity proof by Electoral Registration Officers and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers during hearings related to the draft electoral roll in West Bengal.

Hearings on claims and objections to the draft voters' list are currently under way in the state, alongside verification of supporting identity documents submitted during the sessions. According to sources, micro-observers have reported several cases in which documents not included in the Commission's approved list were accepted as valid proof of identity.

Sources indicated that the Commission was surprised at the number of such cases, particularly in view of repeated instructions issued earlier cautioning officials against accepting documents outside the notified list.

The Commission has decided to identify the EROs and AEROs concerned and seek explanations from them regarding the acceptance of documents not specified under the ECI guidelines, a source in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, said.

"The Commission had specified a total of 13 documents that would be accepted as supporting identity documents. It had also directed the EROs and AEROs on more than one occasion that no document other than the 13 specified ones should be accepted as valid supporting proof. Even after that, such a large number of violations has irked the Commission," the source said.

While the hearings on claims and objections to the draft voters' list will continue till February 14, scrutiny of the documents submitted during the sessions will continue till February 21. The final voters' list is scheduled to be published on February 28.

Following the publication of the final roll, a full Bench of the ECI is expected to visit Kolkata for a two-day review of the post-special intensive revision (SIR) scenario. Thereafter, the Commission is likely to announce the polling schedule for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
While rules are important, sometimes ground reality is different. In rural areas, many genuine voters, especially women or elderly, might not have the 13 specified documents. Maybe the officers were trying to be helpful? The ECI should also review if the list of documents is practical for all sections of society.
A
Aman W
Good move by the Election Commission! Strict vigilance is needed, especially in a politically sensitive state like Bengal. The timing is crucial with Assembly elections around the corner. Hope this sends a strong message to all states. 👍
S
Sarah B
As an observer, I appreciate the ECI's proactive stance. Micro-observers doing their job well. Transparency in the electoral process builds public trust. The explanation from the officers should be made public to ensure accountability.
V
Vikram M
This happens before every election in some state or the other. Political parties pressure local officers to include their supporters by any means. The ECI must take strict, exemplary action this time. Suspension, not just explanation.
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Nisha Z
I respectfully disagree with the ECI's approach being portrayed as entirely positive. While rules matter, seeking "explanations" often just becomes a paperwork exercise. Where is the action? We need to see actual consequences for violations to believe this isn't just for show. The final voter list publication on Feb 28 will be the real test.
K
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