3 min readKolkataUpdated: Feb 14, 2026 10:16 AM IST
During the meeting, the ECI pulled up the DMs of Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, South and North 24-Paraganas, and Purba Medinipur “for negligence”. (File Photo)
The Election Commission of India held a video conference with all District Electoral Officers (DEOs) on Friday. Top ECI officials, the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal, and Special Roll Observers attended the meeting, said the sources. The ECI directed the DEOs to ensure accurate verification of uploaded documents for the ongoing SIR process, emphasising zero tolerance for mistakes. Specific mention was made for DEOs of Cooch Behar, North and South 24 Parganas to work with full sincerity.
“Many cases have come to surface where documents such as newspaper cuttings, blank pages, illegible images etc (were uploaded). How were they uploaded? Who uploaded them? And why did the DMs verify them?” the ECI asked the DEOs.
“Why are documents being uploaded now? Is it to ensure uploading of manufactured documents? DMs have to personally ensure that only documents specified by the ECI and those ordered by the Hon’ble Supreme Court may be considered by the EROs (Electoral Registration Officers)/ AEROs (Assistant Electoral Registration Officer),” the ECI said.
ECI stated “By February 16 (Monday), all the DEOs to personally verify that all documents that have been uploaded are as per the approved list”. The IT team was instructed “to check if such documents were uploaded in the system after that time limit. Even if a single document is discovered after the deadline, the DM shall be held personally responsible,” the ECI stated.
ECI warned the officials: “DEOs, EROs/AEROs should note that every document and decision should be stored in the system for years and even if a foreigner is detected after 1 year, 2 years or 5 years, the concerned officers will have to face prosecution. It is a risky gamble for the IAS officers who have long careers left.”
During the meeting, the ECI pulled up the DMs of Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, South and North 24-Paraganas, and Purba Medinipur “for negligence”.
Purba Bardhaman DM was advised “not to give political statements”. Cooch Behar DM was upbraided for delayed “uploading of documents” and South 24-Paraganas DM was asked under “what authority were ERMOs being called by EROs and AEROs.”
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The EC stated: “The CEO has been instructed to send all cases which have been verified by DEOs on inadmissible and illegible documents for direct action against such officers by the ECI, henceforth.”
Meanwhile, Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty on Friday went to Delhi to meet with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Atri Mitra is a highly accomplished Special Correspondent for The Indian Express, bringing over 20 years of experience to his reporting. His work is characterized by deep regional knowledge and a focus on critical administrative and political developments, establishing strong Expertise and Authority in his domain.
Experience
Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express.
Decades of Experience: Over two decades of extensive reporting experience, primarily covering administration and political news.
Geographical Focus: Holds significant reporting experience from West Bengal, Bihar, and the North-East, providing a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political landscape in these regions.
Key Coverage: Has dedicated more than ten years to covering administration and political news, with a keen focus on political developments in West Bengal.
Electoral Reporting: Demonstrated a commitment to crucial political moments, having covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections during his time at Anandabazar Patrika, and the 2019 Bihar Lok Sabha election while working with News18-Bangla.
Career Foundation: Began his career at the leading vernacular daily Anandabazar Patrika, where he worked for more than fifteen years, including a three-year stint as the Bihar correspondent.
Education
Advanced Degree: Holds a Master's degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University, providing an analytical framework for his political and administrative reporting.
Undergraduate Education: Holds a Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University.
Prestigious Alumni: His educational background includes attending esteemed institutions: he is an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur.
Atri Mitra's decades of dedicated reporting, substantial focus on political and administrative beats, and solid academic credentials make him a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis from Eastern and North-Eastern India. ... Read More
