West Bengal SIR: The Election Commission of India has appointed 4 new Special Roll Observers to oversee the ongoing Special Intensive Revision in West Bengal. Four IAS officers, Ratan Biswas, Vikas Singh, Sandeep Rewaji Rathod and Dr Shailesh have been appointed with immediate effect.
"The SROs will closely monitor the revision and verification exercises and ensure strict adherence to statutory instructions," an official was quoted as saying by PTI."
Besides SROs, the ECI has appointed observers at multiple levels to monitor the ongoing exercise. According to officials, quoted by PTI, the step has been taken to gain the confidence of locals. The notification said that the appointment would come into effect immediately and would remain in place until further notice.
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The electoral roll revision exercise has been underway in West Bengal for the last 2 months, amid allegations of ECI siding with the BJP. Multiple BLOs have reportedly died or committed suicide, allegedly because of increased work pressure.
Who Are SROs
Special Roll Observers (SROs) are senior officers, typically of IAS level, appointed by the Election Commission of India to oversee the ongoing Special Intensive Revision, an exercise to update the state electoral roll. The officers are appointed to provide independent oversight and monitoring to ensure transparency and gain the confidence of local voters by preventing power misuse or bias.
SROs are usually high-ranking bureaucrats, such as IAS officers from central government ministries, state cadres, or retired senior officials.
They are deployed specifically for the SIR exercise in states with large voter bases or where intensive scrutiny is needed.
What Are SROs' Duties
- Observe and monitor the entire SIR process on the ground to ensure transparency, accuracy.
- Independently review field-level activities, including house-to-house verification, disposal of claims and objections, hearings, and final publication of rolls.
- Flag any discrepancies or irregularities for on-time corrective action.