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Kolkata, Nov 24 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar objecting to two recent proposals of the Election Commission of India (ECI) – one related to separate appointment of data-entry operators for the ongoing special intensive vetting (SIR) in the state, and the other related to the choice of polling stations for the assembly elections next year.
Referring to the recent request for proposals to hire 1,000 data-entry operators and 50 software developers for a period of one year, the Chief Minister said the move is contrary to the Commission’s own order given to District Election Officers (DEOs) earlier this month, wherein election officials in the state refrain from engaging contractual data-entry operators and Bangla Sahayata Kendra (BSK) staff for SIR-related or other election-related data work. Was asked to do.
In his letter, the Chief Minister asked why, when the district offices already have sufficient number of competent professionals performing such tasks, why was there a need to outsource the same work to an external agency for an entire year.
“Traditionally, field offices have always appointed their own contractual data-entry personnel as per requirement. If there is an urgent need, the DEOs themselves are fully empowered to make such recruitment. Then, why is the office of the CEO playing this role on behalf of field officers? What significant difference in service conditions or contractual obligations is expected between those already engaged and those to be hired through the proposed agency?” Read the Chief Minister’s letter.
He also questioned whether the exercise was being carried out at the behest of any political party to serve vested interests, and said the timing and manner of the proposal by the Commission raised legitimate doubts.
The second objection raised by the Chief Minister in his letter to the CEC pertains to the Commission’s reported proposal to set up polling booths inside private residential complexes for the crucial West Bengal Assembly elections next year.
“It has been brought to my attention that the Election Commission is considering setting up polling stations within private residential complexes, and the DEO has been asked to provide recommendations. This proposal is highly problematic. Polling stations have always been and should be located in government or semi-government institutions, preferably within a radius of 2 km, to ensure accessibility and neutrality. Private buildings are generally avoided for obvious reasons: they compromise impartiality, violate established norms, and create a discriminatory distinction between privileged residents and the general public – “haves and have-nots,” the chief minister’s letter said.
He also asked whether the Commission’s proposal to set up polling booths inside private residential complexes was being made under pressure from any political party to further partisan interests.
–IANS
Source/PGH