New Delhi: All 14 IAS officers from West Bengal appointed by the Election Commission as central observers for the upcoming assembly elections in four states and union territories, including Home Minister Jagdish Prasad Meena, attended an observer briefing organized by the Election Commission here on Friday.A woman IAS officer from West Bengal had earlier received an exemption from the EC due to “some unavoidable family circumstances”, EC sources told TOI.As many as 1,444 central observers – including 714 general observers, 233 police observers and 497 expenditure observers – were briefed in three batches, two on Thursday and one on Friday, on various aspects of the upcoming elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The third batch includes IAS officers from West Bengal who were briefed on Friday on preparation of electoral rolls, conduct of elections, poll expenditure, information technology and media related matters. They also conducted an EVM demonstration.Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, while addressing observers, warned them that there was no scope for any deviation.Electoral Laws and ECI Directives. He also spoke about the new initiatives being taken in the upcoming assembly elections while directing them to ensure free, fair and transparent conduct of polls.Election Commissioner SS Sandhu told Central Observer that they have a heavy responsibility as the representative of the Election Commission on the ground. He called on officials to adhere to the highest standards of conduct to ensure a level playing field for all candidates and political parties.Addressing observers, Election Commissioner Vivek Joshi asked them to immediately address the grievances and complaints received. He stressed that this would help build trust among the people and political parties during the electoral process. The Commission appoints central observers to oversee the efficient and effective administration of all elections on the ground.
