The Election Commission of India has convened a high-level meeting with district administrations across West Bengal as the state continues its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. A special workshop focusing on the technical preparations surrounding Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be held on November 21 at Taj Kutir near Eco Park. District Magistrates and District Election Officers from every district have been instructed to attend the session, which will be conducted by senior officials of the Election Commission (EC).
โThe workshop aims to provide district officials with a detailed understanding of the First Level Checking (FLC) process that each EVM undergoes before polling. Officers will be briefed on how the Ballot Unit (BU), Control Unit (CU) and VVPAT are physically tested, as well as on the procedures for functional checks, mock polls, segregation of faulty machines and the protocols governing their storage in Strong Rooms. Discussions will also cover the documentation process, highlighting how every stage of FLC is recorded for transparency and accountability,โ said an official of the Commission.
By calling DMs to Kolkata, the Election Commission intends to ensure that all election preparations at the district level follow established norms and technical standards, the official added.
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Officials believe that such advance workshops are essential to maintaining procedural clarity and reinforcing transparency in the electoral process. Commission sources indicate that guidelines regarding the commissioning, sealing, movement and logistical handling of EVMs may also be elaborated during the meeting.
The following day, all district magistrates will attend another meeting in Nabanna, chaired by the Chief Secretary, to review the overall development issues of the state. It remains uncertain whether the Chief Minister will participate, though officials say she may join virtually, given the last-minute nature of the session.
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