Tighter security at CEO's office; Central officials to oversee contested voter roll hearings in Bengal

The state Chief Electoral Officer's office on Friday directed that Central government officials will oversee the hearing phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal, marking a significant escalation in the Election Commission's supervision of the process amid mounting tensions and security concerns.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

According to a detailed directive issued by the Commission, Group B and above Central government officers will be deployed as micro-observers at hearing centres across the state. Officials from various Central government institutions, including public sector banks, may also be engaged for this purpose. Each micro-observer will be paid an honorarium of Rs 30,000 for the assignment. The decision follows a letter sent on 12 December by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, seeking permission to appoint micro-observers to monitor the SIR hearings. The Commission granted its approval on Friday, paving the way for the immediate deployment of central officials.