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Kolkata, Oct 24 (IANS) With the notification for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal likely to be issued any day, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided to adopt a number of measures to ensure that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) remain free from pressure or influence of political parties or the state administration once the revision process begins.
After a two-day meeting concluded on Thursday with Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of all states in New Delhi, the ECI clarified that the SIR will be conducted first in states, including West Bengal, where elections are due next year.
Sources in the West Bengal CEO office said the commission is aware of the apprehension that BLOs in the state may face undue pressure, and is therefore planning safeguards to protect their autonomy.
The first step would be to ensure complete administrative control over BLOs, who are state government employees, so that they are not transferred during the SIR exercise, an insider said. The ECI has also decided that until the amendment process is completed, the BLO will not be engaged in any other administrative work.
Officials said the CEO office has been directed to assure BLOs that their security will be given top priority and any violation or attempt at intimidation will be dealt with strictly.
BLOs are being advised to handle pressure tactfully and avoid confrontation, but immediately report such incidents directly to the CEO office, who will consult ECI Headquarters in New Delhi for appropriate action.
Also, sources said, neither the Commission nor the office of the CEO will settle on the ECI-mandated criteria for selection of BLOs and Electoral Registration Officers (EROs).
These measures are intended to ensure an independent, impartial and transparent vetting process, protected from political or administrative interference.
–IANS
Source/PGH