West Bengal Election Officers Issued Notices for Improper Distribution of Voter Revision Forms

The Election Commission of India (ECI) issued show-cause notices to eight Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in West Bengal on Sunday for allegedly distributing voter enumeration forms at tea stalls and local clubs, violating the door-to-door protocol during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

According to ECI sources who spoke to NDTV, BLOs from Cooch Behar and North 24 Parganas districts were among those served with notices. The election body has established a new 24x7 helpline number for citizens to report complaints against officers.

ECI officials stated that these measures are being implemented to enhance transparency and improve oversight of the voter list revision process throughout West Bengal.

The Commission's action followed numerous complaints from various political parties alleging that BLOs were distributing enumeration forms in public spaces including tea stalls, street corners, and schools, rather than following prescribed procedures.

Reports emerged of citizens rushing to street corners to collect their forms from BLOs. Despite receiving proper training for this field activity, certain officers distributed forms in clear violation of ECI guidelines.

Previously, the ECI had issued advance warnings to senior poll officers, emphasizing strict adherence to the Commission's protocols.

BLOs were specifically reminded that enumeration forms must only be distributed by visiting voters' homes personally, and this task should not be conducted elsewhere.

District Magistrates (DMs) received instructions to maintain heightened vigilance regarding this matter. The ECI indicated that strict disciplinary action would follow any observed negligence.