Amid Bihar SIR row, ECI’s letter to Mamata Banerjee seeking ‘administrative and financial autonomy’
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the West Bengal government to set up a separate election department, completely delinked from the Home Department.
In a letter to West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, ECI Under Secretary Ashutosh M., the poll body cited a lack of “financial and administrative autonomy” for the state Chief Election Officer’s (CEO) office.
“The financial and administrative autonomy of the CEO is currently limited. Being under the Home Department compromises the neutrality of the electoral process. A separate autonomous election department must be created,” the letter said.
It noted that in the existing arrangement, the CEO functions with limited financial powers, relying on a minor permanent advance from the Finance Department.
“The CEO's office has been categorised as a subordinate branch of the Home and Hill Affairs Department, which is led by a Principal Secretary-level officer, whereas the CEO himself holds the rank of Additional Chief Secretary,” the letter claimed.
The poll panel further demanded a dedicated budget head for the Election Department, saying this will facilitate full financial and administrative autonomy to the CEO.
It also suggested that a delegation of suitable financial powers at par with ACS/Principal Secretary/Secretary of other departments should be given to the CEO.
Additionally, a separate financial advisor should be appointed to assist the CEO in discharging official duties effectively, the letter said.
The ECI also urged the state government to fill the four vacant posts of additional, joint and deputy CEOs in consultation with the Commission to ensure “institutional preparedness and seamless coordination” ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
Assembly elections are due in West Bengal next year.
The ECI direction comes amid the raging controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.
According to reports, the poll panel is likely to start a similar exercise in West Bengal anytime soon. Quoting sources from the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer, IANS news agency reported that the work for SIR might start earliest in the last week of July or latest by the first week of August.
The ruling Trinamool Congress has already said they will oppose any such exercise in West Bengal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the SIR was started in Bihar, but is targeting West Bengal.
The BJP, however, has welcomed the move, saying it would help identify the illegal Rohingya infiltrators who have managed to get their names enrolled in the voters' list "with the help of the ruling Trinamool Congress".
India