New Delhi, Jul 23 (PTI) The Election Commission has flagged lack of financial and administrative autonomy to its chief electoral officer of West Bengal and has asked the state government to take corrective steps, including posting a separate financial adviser in the election department.
Polls are due in West Bengal next year.
In a letter to the state chief secretary on July 17, the EC said it has “noted lack of financial and administrative autonomy available to CEO, West Bengal in the existing arrangement” wherein his office is functioning with “limited financial powers” relying on a “minor permanent advance” from the Finance Department.
The poll authority also noted that the CEO’s office has been categorised as a subordinate branch of the Home & Hill Affairs Department, which is led by a principal secretary-level officer whereas the CEO himself is of additional chief secretary rank.
It asked the West Bengal government to create a separate election department, “completely delinked” from any other department of the state.
The election department, it said, should have a dedicated budget head. This will facilitate full financial and administrative autonomy to the CEO, as required for the effective and impartial conduct of elections, the poll watchdog underlined.
It also sought delegation of “suitable financial powers” at par with additional chief secretary, principal secretary or secretary of other department be given to the chief electoral officer.
“Further, in view of upcoming general election to Legislative Assembly of West Bengal, to ensure institutional preparedness and seamless coordination, you are also requested to fill up the four vacant posts of Addl./Joint/Deputy CEOs in the office of CEO, West Bengal in consultation with the Commission,” it said. PTI NAB KR ZMN
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.