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ECI Slaps Show-Cause Notices on 778 Bengal Micro-Observers for Absence

The Election Commission of India has issued show-cause notices to 778 specially appointed micro-observers in West Bengal. The notices were served after the officials failed to attend a mandatory training session and expressed an inability to supervise voter list hearings. The observers, drawn from central government employees posted in the state, have 48 hours to respond or face potential disciplinary action, including suspension. This action comes amid political scrutiny over the appointment process, though officials clarified all observers are based within West Bengal.

Key Points: ECI Notices 778 Bengal Micro-Observers for Skipping Training

  • Show-cause notices issued
  • Absent from mandatory training
  • 48-hour reply deadline
  • Appointed from central govt staff in Bengal
2 min read

SIR in Bengal: ECI slaps show-cause notice on 778 micro-observers

The Election Commission issues show-cause notices to 778 micro-observers in West Bengal for missing a mandatory training session on voter list hearings.

"These 778 micro-observers not only remained absent... but also expressed their inability to participate. - CEO Office Insider"

Kolkata, Dec 27

The Election Commission of India had slapped show-cause notices on 778 micro-observers specially appointed by the Commission to review and supervise the hearing session on claims and objections over the draft voters' list in West Bengal that started from Saturday, officials said.

An insider from the office of the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said that on December 24, a day-long training session was conducted at Nazrul Mach in Kolkata for these micro-observers.

"These 778 micro-observers not only remained absent at the training session but also expressed their inability to participate in the exercise of reviewing and supervising the hearing sessions. That is why a show-cause notice had been slapped against them, asking them why the Commission would not initiate disciplinary actions against them for breach of discipline," the CEO's office insider said.

The 778 micro-observers who have been slapped with the show-cause notice, have been asked to reply to those notices within the next 48 hours, failing which the Commission will act against them, which includes even suspension from their services.

The micro-observers have been appointed from among the direct Central government employees or employees from Central public sector undertakings or public sector banks, mainly in the Group-B category and some from the Group-A category.

The micro-observers have been appointed from these categories of employees whose current places of posting are in West Bengal.

Initially, Trinamool Congress alleged that the micro-observers were appointed from other states.

However, later, the West Bengal CEO Manoj Kumar Agarwal clarified that the places of posting of all the micro-observers appointed for the purpose are in the state.

A total of 4,600 micro-observers have been appointed to review and supervise the hearing sessions.

The Commission had also specified the roles to be played by the micro-observers during the hearing sessions.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Something feels off here. 778 people all deciding to be absent? That's a huge number. Were they given proper notice? Or is there pressure from local political circles not to participate? ECI should also look into that angle.
R
Rahul R
Respectfully, while discipline is important, I hope the ECI also ensures these micro-observers were not facing genuine logistical or administrative hurdles. A 48-hour reply window is very short. Due process must be followed.
S
Sarah B
The initial allegation about them being from other states shows how tense the political environment is in Bengal. Glad the CEO clarified they are all posted within WB. Transparency from the start could avoid such confusion.
A
Aman W
Central govt employees should know better. This is not some ordinary office work, it's about safeguarding our democracy. If they are unwilling, they should have declined the appointment earlier. Suspension is the right step if they don't reply satisfactorily.
N
Nisha Z
With 4600 observers appointed, 778 absentees is a significant chunk. It raises questions about the selection or communication process. Hope the ECI uses this as feedback to improve systems for future elections. The goal should be a flawless voter list.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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