Only 6,000 of 8,505 West Bengal officers report for SIR despite SC deadline: EC

In a concerning development for West Bengal's electoral administration, only 6,000 of the 8,505 government officers have reported to the Election Commission (EC) for the Special Election Duty under the Supreme Court's directive. This shortfall of over 2,500 officers has raised alarms as the deadline set by the Supreme Court for their compliance has already lapsed. The EC's demand for full attendance is critical to ensure the smooth conduct of upcoming elections in the state. The reluctance of officers to comply with the court's order underscores ongoing challenges in West Bengal's political landscape, where tensions have been high in recent years. The state has faced scrutiny over its electoral processes, and the absence of a significant number of officials could hinder the integrity and efficiency of the electoral system. As the situation unfolds, the EC is likely to take further steps to address this issue and ensure that all necessary personnel are in place to facilitate a fair electoral process in West Bengal.