New Delhi: In a significant development amid growing concerns over electoral integrity, West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, 1991 batch IAS officer of WB cadre, appeared before the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday. The appearance came in response to a summons issued by the ECI after the state government failed to act against four officials allegedly involved in serious electoral roll irregularities.
ECI Orders Action, Sets August 21 Deadline for Compliance
The ECI, in a firm stance on the matter, has now set a deadline of August 21 for the West Bengal government to fully comply with its directives. The commission had earlier directed the suspension of two Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and two Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) on August 5, citing “grave lapses” in their conduct and a failure to perform statutory duties.
Read also: ECI Calls WB Chief Secretary to Delhi After Non-Compliance on Electoral Roll Manipulation
Violation of Data Security Cited as Key Concern
According to the Election Commission, the implicated officials allegedly shared their login credentials to the electoral roll management system with unauthorised individuals, breaching critical data security protocols. The act was described by the ECI as a serious violation, potentially compromising the sanctity of the electoral process.
Meeting with Chief Election Commissioner and Team
Chief Secretary Pant met with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the two other Election Commissioners at the ECI headquarters in New Delhi. During the meeting, he reportedly clarified the state government’s position and the reasons for the delay in taking disciplinary action.
Sources indicate that the ECI remains unsatisfied with the lack of immediate action and expects strict adherence to its orders ahead of upcoming electoral preparations.
Implications for State Administration
This development comes at a crucial time as the Election Commission is in the process of ensuring clean and error-free electoral rolls ahead of the next electoral cycle. The ECI’s direct involvement and public reprimand of the state’s top administrative officer underline the zero-tolerance policy towards procedural violations.
Failure to meet the August 21 deadline could lead to escalated disciplinary action or further intervention from constitutional authorities.
