The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a significant reshuffle in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal, ahead of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise scheduled to begin next month. Two IAS officers of the state cadre have been appointed to key positions to strengthen the administration of the voter list revision process.
2011 batch IAS officer Arun Prasad has been appointed as the Additional Chief Electoral Officer (ACEO) of the state. Prasad previously served as the District Magistrate of Nadia. Meanwhile, 2013 batch officer Harishankar Panikar has been appointed as Joint Chief Electoral Officer (JCEO), having recently served as Special Secretary in the state finance department.
According to sources from the Commission, the office previously had three ACEOs; with the new appointments, one more officer has joined their ranks. At present, two officials hold the post of JCEO, with one expected to be transferred soon, prompting Panikar’s appointment. Additionally, the Commission has directed the formation of a new panel for the Deputy Chief Electoral Officer post.
“The reshuffle signals the Commission’s focus on ensuring accuracy and transparency in the upcoming electoral roll revision. Complaints regarding fake voters, deceased persons remaining on the list and valid voters being omitted have often been raised by political parties. Strengthening administrative oversight is seen as a step to address such concerns before the SIR process begins,” said an official of the CEO’s office.
The Special Intensive Revision, likely to start next month, will involve reviewing and updating the voter list, including the addition of new voters. The Election Commission has emphasised that strict monitoring will be conducted at every stage to maintain transparency, with the newly appointed officers expected to play a key role.
“With multiple elections on the horizon, the move underscores the importance of the voter list revision and its potential impact on the political landscape in the coming months,” said the officer.
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