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NEW DELHI: All 14 IAS officers from West Bengal appointed by the Election Commission as central observers for the upcoming assembly polls in four states and a Union territory, including state home secretary Jagdish Prasad Meena, attended the observers’ briefing organised by Election Commission here on Friday.One lady IAS officer from West Bengal was earlier granted exemption by EC on account of “some unavoidable family circumstances”, sources in EC told TOI.As many as 1,444 central observers — including 714 general observers, 233 police observers and 497 expenditure observers — were briefed in three separate batches, including two on Thursday and one on Friday, regarding various aspects of upcoming polls in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The third batch, which included IAS officers from West Bengal, was apprised on Friday on the preparation of electoral rolls, conduct of elections, poll expenditure, information technology and media-related matters. They were also given a demonstration of EVMs.Chief election commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, in his address to the observers, cautioned them that there is no scope of deviation fromthe electoral laws and ECI instructions. He also spoke about new initiatives being taken in the forthcoming assembly elections, while directing them to ensure free, fair and transparent conduct of polls. Election commissioner S S Sandhu told the central observers that they carry a big responsibility as representatives of EC in the field. He called upon the officers to observe the highest level of conduct and ensure a level playing field for all candidates and political parties.Addressing the observers, election commissioner Vivek Joshi asked them to promptly address the grievances and complaints received by them. This, he underlined, helps build the trust of the people and the political parties in the electoral process. The Commission appoints central observers to oversee the efficient and effective management of all elections at the field level.
