NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Friday appointed ex-IPS officer N K Mishra and ex-IRS officer Pratap Singh as special observers for West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, respectively, tasked with overseeing the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral roll as well as the preparedness and conduct of impending assembly poll in the two states.Polls in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Kerala as well as the UT of Puducherry are expected to be held in April-May. EC usually appoints special observers after announcement of Lok Sabha/assembly poll schedule.“As a special observer, you will oversee that the process of SIR is strictly as per the directions of the commission issued from time to time. You will be required to visit West Bengal/Tamil Nadu from time to time to observe the ongoing SIR…poll preparedness and the conduct of forthcoming general election to the legislative assembly of West Bengal/Tamil Nadu, 2026, and give your inputs to the commission for necessary action,” EC said in separate communications sent to Mishra and Singh on Friday.EC asked the two retired officers — who will be under its superintendence — to visit their respective states in coordination with the chief electoral officer concerned. Per rules of the Election Commsission, special observers are paid a base slab of Rs 1 lakh for a two-week deployment, which goes up by Rs 25,000 with each extra week of deployment.Mishra had served as DGP of Sikkim and as special director in the Intelligence Bureau. Singh had served with Income Tax (Investigation) in Tamil Nadu.About the AuthorBharti JainBharti Jain is senior editor with The Times of India, New Delhi. She has been writing on security matters since 1996. Having covered the Union home ministry, security agencies, Election Commission and the ‘prime’ political beat, the Congress, for The Economic Times all these years, she moved to TOI in August 2012. Her repertoire of news stories delves into the whole gamut of issues related to terrorism and internal strife, besides probing strategic affairs in India’s neighbourhood.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi Says India Pushes Reforms With Conviction, Not Compulsion; Poised To Drive Global Growth’Symbols Of British Empire’: PM Modi On North & South Block In 1st Address From Seva Teerth’Umar Bhar Yahi Bhool’: Yogi Adityanath Quotes Mirza Ghalib In UP Assembly To Target SP’s RecordBNP Demands Sheikh Hasina’s Extradition From India After Bangladesh Poll WinCongress Demands Union Minister Hardeep Puri Resignation Over Alleged Jeffrey Epstein Links RowPM Modi Speaks To BNP Chief Tarique Rahman, Congratulates On ‘Remarkable’ Bangladesh Poll Win6-Year-Old Dead, 5 Injured As Speeding Car Hits Pedestrians On Busy Lucknow Road; CCTV Shows HorrorKiren Rijiju Explains Why Modi Govt Paused Privilege Notice Against Rahul Gandhi After Dubey’s MoveTarique Rahman’s BNP Heads For Landslide In Bangladesh Election, Rivals Cry FoulPM Modi Unveils Seva Teerth, A New PMO Hub Marking Governance Shift In National Capital Delhi123PhotostoriesTop 5 real estate hotspots in Noida to watch in 2026Exclusive: Krushna Abhishek reacts to Sunita Ahuja’s allegations against mama Govinda, talks about Laughter Chefs 3’s success and working on The Great Indian Kapil ShowGalentine’s Day special: Iconic female friendships in Bollywood that define sisterhood6 Vastu mistakes that are silently blocking wealth in your home (don’t ignore number 4)5 national parks in India that are excellent for birdwatchingLove, in different landscapes: Hills, islands and desert skiesSeva Teerth opens doors: PM Modi launches new PMO complex in New Delhi – see picsAbs don’t equal healthy arteries: Doctor explains why appearance isn’t a health report card5 key features that make adventure bikes perfect for long-distance touring5 ways to remove pesticides from grapes and strawberries, tips for storage, and easy dishes123Hot PicksIT Stocks CrashGold Silver PricesBangladesh Election ResultsTelangana Municipal Elections ResultsIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingPatrick MahomesBad BunnyJosh MorrisseyJutta LeerdamAuston MatthewsKayla NicoleAnthony JoshuaChris PaulDarron LeeKyle Busch Net Worth
NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Friday appointed ex-IPS officer N K Mishra and ex-IRS officer Pratap Singh as special observers for West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, respectively, tasked with overseeing the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral roll as well as the preparedness and conduct of impending assembly poll in the two states.Polls in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Kerala as well as the UT of Puducherry are expected to be held in April-May. EC usually appoints special observers after announcement of Lok Sabha/assembly poll schedule.“As a special observer, you will oversee that the process of SIR is strictly as per the directions of the commission issued from time to time. You will be required to visit West Bengal/Tamil Nadu from time to time to observe the ongoing SIR…poll preparedness and the conduct of forthcoming general election to the legislative assembly of West Bengal/Tamil Nadu, 2026, and give your inputs to the commission for necessary action,” EC said in separate communications sent to Mishra and Singh on Friday.EC asked the two retired officers — who will be under its superintendence — to visit their respective states in coordination with the chief electoral officer concerned. Per rules of the Election Commsission, special observers are paid a base slab of Rs 1 lakh for a two-week deployment, which goes up by Rs 25,000 with each extra week of deployment.Mishra had served as DGP of Sikkim and as special director in the Intelligence Bureau. Singh had served with Income Tax (Investigation) in Tamil Nadu.