New Delhi: election committee Former IPS officer NK Mishra and former IRS officer Pratap Singh were appointed on Friday as special observers for West Bengal and Tamil Nadu respectively to oversee the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and preparations and conduct of the upcoming assembly polls in the two states.Polling in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Kerala, as well as Puducherry, is expected to be held in April-May. The EC usually appoints special observers after the Lok Sabha/Parliament poll schedule is announced.“As Special Observer, you will monitor the process of SIR strictly in compliance with the instructions issued by the Commission from time to time. You will be required to visit West Bengal/Tamil Nadu from time to time to observe the ongoing SIR…polls “We are gearing up and conducting the upcoming general elections to the West Bengal/Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in 2026 and providing inputs to the committee for necessary action,” the EC said in a separate letter sent to Mishra and Singh on Friday.The Election Commission has asked the two retired officials – who will be under its supervision – to visit their respective states in coordination with the chief electoral officer concerned. According to the Election Commission rules, the basic salary of a special observer is Rs 1 lakh for two weeks of deployment and will increase by Rs 25,000 for every additional week of deployment. Mishra served as Attorney General of the State of Sikkim and Special Director of the Intelligence Bureau. Singh was posted in the Income Tax (Investigation) Department of Tamil Nadu.
