. NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief secretary Nandini Chakravorty on Tuesday apprised the Election Commission about partial compliance of the commission’s directions pending with the state govt—including filing of FIRs against four officers for violation of data security and suspension of the Basirhat assistant electoral registration officer (AERO) — within the Feb 17, 5.30 pm deadline set by the poll panel.However, compliance remains pending as regards EC direction dated Feb 13 to Chakravorty for cancellation of transfer orders issued by the state govt in respect of three electoral roll observers—Aswini Kumar yadav, Randhir Kumar, and Smita Pandey—without prior consultation with the poll panel. Also, the state govt is yet to send a proposal regarding appointment of returning officers (ROs) and electoral registration officer (EROs) as per criteria laid down by EC. ‘Targeting People Like Terrorists’: Mamata Banerjee Attacks EC Over SIR, Cites Bangladesh Polls The norms require them to be officers at the level of sub divisional magistrate (SDM), sub divisional officer (SDO) or revenue divisional officer. At present, ROs in only 67 of the state’s 294 assembly constituencies (ACs) and EROs in only 68 ACs are of the rank of SDO/SDM. Confirming receipt of the compliance letter from West Bengal chief secretary on Tuesday, EC sources told TOI that the commission, which is currently on a visit to Assam, “shall examine the letter upon its return here”.Meanwhile, the West Bengal chief electoral officer, in a post on X on Tuesday, said he had suspended three micro observers, based on reports of EC-appointed district electoral roll observers. “Electoral roll micro observers being under deputation to ECI are directed to perform their duties diligently and not to outsource/delegate their work to anyone else, failing which they will be liable for the consequences,” he posted.Only on Sunday, the EC had suspended seven AEROs in the state with immediate effect, over “dereliction of duty”. During its meeting with West Bengal chief secretary here last week, EC had asked the state administration to comply with its directions regarding payment of honorarium to BLOs, appointment of suitable SIR/poll-related officers, rescinding of unilateral transfer of roll observers and registration of FIRs against errant officers, latest by 5.30 pm on Feb 17.The February 17, 5.30 pm deadline set by EC, however, was not in respect of the pending honorarium dues.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 MediaVideosEstonian Prez Alar Karis Calls India ‘Cradle Of Civilisation’; Seeks Cooperation In AI, Green TechFormer Assam Congress Chief Bhupen Borah to Join BJP, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma ConfirmsPM Modi Invites Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman to India, Om Birla Hands Over Letter in DhakaIndian Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Minor Detained In New JerseyMumbai Hosts Modi-Macron Talks, Rafale In Focus; Bill Gates To Attend AI Summit Under Epstein CloudFrom 1910 To Today: PM Modi Revives Veer Savarkar Saga During Talks With France President MacronWatch Macron’s Diary Unfold: Jog, 26/11 Homage And High-Stakes Meet With PM ModiPM Modi, Emmanuel Macron Vow Strong India-France Anti Terror Front, Signals Big G7-BRICS BridgePM Modi, Emmanuel Macron Elevate India France Ties, Inaugurate H125 Line And Expand Strategic AgendaIndia, France Launch H125 Helicopter Line In Karnataka, Rajnath Singh Sees Export And Jobs Surge123Photostories7 renovation mistakes that can lower your property’s value10 common plants that don’t need seeds to growSaree shopping in India: 5 must-visit cities for authentic traditional drapesThe 50 Recap: Nikki Tamboli says she hurt her family after a fight with boyfriend Arbaz Patel; Urvashi Dholakia and Arushi Chawla returnRamadan 2026: How to make Mushroom and Soya Kebab for Iftar5 Vastu-approved flowering plants you must grow to attract luck and prosperity8 smart ways to include beetroot in kids’ breakfastHow to make Dahi wale Aloo for dinner at homeIndia’s top 5 states leading residential real estate market in 20267 car maintenance tips every owner should know123Hot PicksEmmanuel Macron India VisitGold rate todaySaudi Labour Law ViolationVB-G RAM G schemeIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingMichael JordanJutta LeerdamLauren KyleTyreek HillMike EvansKayla NicoleCardi BPuka Nacua And Charlotte Flair Dating RumorsTyson FuryJake Paul Fiance
NEW DELHI: West Bengal chief secretary Nandini Chakravorty on Tuesday apprised the Election Commission about partial compliance of the commission’s directions pending with the state govt—including filing of FIRs against four officers for violation of data security and suspension of the Basirhat assistant electoral registration officer (AERO) — within the Feb 17, 5.30 pm deadline set by the poll panel.However, compliance remains pending as regards EC direction dated Feb 13 to Chakravorty for cancellation of transfer orders issued by the state govt in respect of three electoral roll observers—Aswini Kumar yadav, Randhir Kumar, and Smita Pandey—without prior consultation with the poll panel. Also, the state govt is yet to send a proposal regarding appointment of returning officers (ROs) and electoral registration officer (EROs) as per criteria laid down by EC.
The norms require them to be officers at the level of sub divisional magistrate (SDM), sub divisional officer (SDO) or revenue divisional officer. At present, ROs in only 67 of the state’s 294 assembly constituencies (ACs) and EROs in only 68 ACs are of the rank of SDO/SDM. Confirming receipt of the compliance letter from West Bengal chief secretary on Tuesday, EC sources told TOI that the commission, which is currently on a visit to Assam, “shall examine the letter upon its return here”.Meanwhile, the West Bengal chief electoral officer, in a post on X on Tuesday, said he had suspended three micro observers, based on reports of EC-appointed district electoral roll observers. “Electoral roll micro observers being under deputation to ECI are directed to perform their duties diligently and not to outsource/delegate their work to anyone else, failing which they will be liable for the consequences,” he posted.Only on Sunday, the EC had suspended seven AEROs in the state with immediate effect, over “dereliction of duty”. During its meeting with West Bengal chief secretary here last week, EC had asked the state administration to comply with its directions regarding payment of honorarium to BLOs, appointment of suitable SIR/poll-related officers, rescinding of unilateral transfer of roll observers and registration of FIRs against errant officers, latest by 5.30 pm on Feb 17.The February 17, 5.30 pm deadline set by EC, however, was not in respect of the pending honorarium dues.
