Thanks TEAM BURDWAN for the good show

CEC appreciates, Chief Secretary West Bengal lauded... public made so many phone calls to recognise good work done by TEAM BURDWAN. Thanks all and congratulations for delivering the best elections in our times...

Route March and Foot March by DM SP in Ketugram

Date : 29th April 2011 Time : 2 pm to 4 pm Areas : Political Rivalry prone Kandra, Khalipur, Bamundi, Sripur and Khaspur of Ketugram AC.

Subdivisional meeting at Asansol will be held on 12th April 2011 instead of 9th April

As discussed in Video Conference today, Meeting of ROs and Officers of Asansol shall now be held on 12th April 2011, instead of 9th April 2011 reported earlier.

100 column report of all ROs received

We have received report on 100 Columns from all ROs about their preparedness to conduct elections. Compiled sheets has been emailed to all ROs/ SDOs. Please see that all columns are filled with figures only, yes/no, figures with no text in the relevant column. Similarly, there should not be blank, not yet decided, yet to be decided or ....Cell is doing. They must obtain report and fill up columns.

We will discuss these reports during Sub divisional meetings, where SP will also remain present.

Katwa Meeting will he held on 10th April, instead of 4th April

Subdivisional level meeting of Katwa will now be held on 10th April 2011 instead of 4th April due to some unavoidable circumstances. Time, Agenda and other things remain the same.

SDOs please convene the meeting inviting all including Police Officers as mentioned in earlier blog.

Subdivisional level meetings of DEO/ SP Burdwan from 4th April to 8th April 2011

Meeting of ROs on 2nd April is now changed. A video conference shall be held from 11 am to 1 pm on 2nd April 2011. We'll allow all the election officials to enjoy World Cup finals.

We have planned interaction sessions with ROs and BDOs at Subdivision level as per the schedule noted below :-

1. Katwa : 4th April from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm with ROs/BDOs followed by orientation cum interaction with sector officers and tagged police officers at 3 pm as convenient to Subdivisions. Police Officers of OC, IC rank from Police Stations, CIs, SDPOs/ DySP and Addl SP may be invited to join at 12.30 pm. Police Officers shall also attend joint briefing of Sectors at 3 pm for one hour, thereafter, ROs may continue meeting with sector officers.
2. Kalna : 5th April 2011 as above
3. Sadar North & Sadar South : 6th April 2011 as above.
4. Durgapur : 8th April 2011 as above
5. Asansol : 9th April 2011 as above

Shri Tushar Pathak OC Statutory cell is preparing material for Sector Officers meeting in consultation with OC Election and others under guidance of ADM Election. It will be emailed to all SDOs/ ROs by 3rd April 2011 for distribution among the SOs. SDOs to please make arrangements for the meeting, PowerPoint (ADM Election to so for Sadar) and convene the meeting. DM, SP and ADM in charge of the Subdivision will attend the meetings.

All ROs must email their 100 column reports by 1st April 2011 evening positively. Report need not be descriptive and must be in format only.

ONLINE RECORDING OF VEHICLES USED BY CANDIDATES FOR CAMPAIGN Returning Officers are supposed to issue Vehicle Permit to the candidates for their campaign purpose. To keep a record of the Vehicles for which permits are issued an online registering of vehicles have been devised in CEO’s “Election Management Portal”. Procedure to be followed:  Go to CEO’s website www.ceowestbengal.nic.in  Then, Click on “Election Management Portal” on home page of CEO’s website.  A log in page will appear.  Enter the Portal by entering user-id and password of respective District / Sub-division. The user-id & password that have already been communicated for web reporting system have to be used.  After entering the portal Click on “Web reporting” link.  Then, Click on “Vehicle Management” button.  Then click on “Issue of Permit” link.  A web Form will appear. Fill up the Form as mentioned below - o Select AC in that Form from drop-down menu. o Then, select Candidate’s name from drop-down menu. The candidate’s name will come from “Candidate Affidavits” module where candidates’ names are being entered at the time of uploading affidavits. o Then enter Permit No., Vehicle Registration No. and Date of Issue in the respective text box. o Also, Select Vehicle type from drop-down menu. o There is also a provision of recording any remark. o After entering all the data Click on “Submit” button to upload the information in the system.  There is a provision for editing the uploaded data.  Also there is a provision for replacement of vehicle against an issued permit .  Also there is scope for cancellation of Permit.

Latest circular of ECI regarding 2nd randomisation of Polling personnel and training AC wise under direct supervision of RO can be downloaded from :-

http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/CurrentElections/ECI_Instructions/ins15032011A.pdf

As explained in VC today, 2nd training may now be organised in a group of 50-75 polling parties per session in big halls from P-8 to P-5 days. These dates will be 25th April to 28th April except 27th April for 4th phase ACs and 29th April to 2nd May 2011 except 30th April for 5th phase ACs. ROs may hold EVM commissioning on 26th/ 27th April for 4th phase and 29th/ 30th April 2011. All notices to this effect must be issued on date of scrutiny to validly nominated candidates.

Replies of candidates or Political functionaries must be obtained within 24hrs

ECI has issued directions today that reply of show cause notices issued to Candidates or Political functionaries by RO / DEO for violation of Model Code of Conduct must be furnished within 24 hrs. Time allowed for replies must not be more than 24 hrs. All ROs please note.

Further, no notice or show cause should be issued by any authority other than RO or DEO. Further, as explained in video conference today, consolidated reports on such violations, along with original copy of complaint, copy of notice, replies and observations of RO must be furnished to DEO within shortest time. There should not be delay beyond three hrs from the time of receipt of replies. If there is delay due to complexity of complaint, interim report must be emailed.

Meeting of Committee constituted by CEO at district level to review preventive steps to make environment conducive for free and fair elections held

DEO Burdwan chaired the meeting, attended by SP Burdwan, ADMs and Commandants/ Assistant Commandants of CPF deployed in the district at Burdwan on 14th March 2011. ROs may review.

Shifting of Polling Stations and Auxilliary Polling Stations approved by ECI.

Approvals of our proposals for auxiliary and shifting of few polling stations in dilapidated condition received. ROs must give wide publicity to all concerned.

EVM awareness must be started from 16th April 2011

Circular on EVM awareness at GP level and Urban areas already sent to all ROs. Sector officers/ Assistant Sector Officers may be issued training EVMS immediately so that they may start EVM awareness to general public at Haats, markets, Railway Stations etc. In urban areas sector wise and in rural areas GP wise EVMs may be issued to Sectors. Services of BLOs may be utilised by sectors for the purpose but the EVM custodian will be sector officer only.

Polling Personnel randomisation to take place on 1st April 2011, instead of 3rd April 2011 decided earlier

In reference to Calendar of activities already circulated to all, please note that first randomisation of polling personnel out of total database of the district will now take place on 1st April 2011, instead of 3rd April decided earlier. Printing of appointment letters will be held at Subdivision wise and training will also be organised by donor subdivision at the office subdivision. However, 2nd randomisation will now be held on 23rd April 2011 for 4th phase ACs and 26th April 2011 for 5th phase ACs. Printing of appointment letters will have to done at district HQ centrally as it involves offices from all Subdivisions going to do poll duty in any of the AC.

Training schedule is also modified slightly. First training of Pro and P1 will be started from 13th April 2011 onwards till 20th April 2011. Second training at RO level for each AC may now be organised in batches of 50 to 60 polling parties in large halls as the days available for such training are from P-8 to p-5, leaving P-7 for EVM commissioning. In that case, each AC will take 5 to 6 batches or three days in a hall. Moreover, polling personnel will also be required to be provided transport from one Subdivision to another to attend 2nd training.

All ROs/ SDOs may please reconsider their training plans accordingly.

Some of the ROs of Sadar Subdivision not yet sent public property defacement removal certificate. Please expedite.

All public property defacements must be removed by 14th evening

I hope teams of VST cum MCC are moving with police in all Assembly Segments of the district and capturing violations of MCC related to defacement. Now, it has been directed to remove all defacement of Public places and property throughout the district within 14th March 2011 by 4 pm and report compliance in writing to OC Election. Reports received from all ROs on 13th March 2011 indicates that out of 6140 cases of public property defacement, removal of 4560 have been completed. Now, the balance number 1580 cases should be disposed off by tomorrow by 4 pm.

Circular related to this matter, taking help of police, local bodies have been sent to all ROs yesterday. Cost must be realised from the violators. All ROs, Sectors Officers must take extra efforts to comply the orders.

Vulnerability exercise - visit to vulnerable families at their door step

VISIT OF THE DM & TEAM TO VULNERABLE VILLAGES

Election commission of India in its circular defined ‘Vulnerability’ – in the context of elections

"as the susceptibility of any voter or section of voters, whether or not living in a geographically identifiable area, to being wrongfully prevented from or influenced upon in relation to the exercise of his right to vote in a free and fair manner, through intimidation or use of undue influence or force of any kind on him." The first step in the exercise of Vulnerability Mapping has to be undertaken with immediate effect by the concerned RO, Police Officer, Sector officer to visit every Locality/ Pocket already identified as Vulnerable in the area of every Polling Station, hold widespread discussions with vulnerable people there, collect intelligence, and list the vulnerable households and families, as well as the persons and factors causing such vulnerability there.

DISTRICT MAGISTRATE SP Burdwan briefed all OCs BDOs and ROs on 11th March 2011 in district level whole day meeting and directed them to complete this confidence building exercise by 15th march.

Election machinery in Burdwan already started the initiatives. All election related officers in the District are interacting in the field, exchanging mobile numbers, assuring support to such families for free and fair exercise of franchise.

In one such visit on 13.3.11, District Magigtrate Burdwan along with Nodal ADM for the area, Subdivisional magistrate ,Returning Officer,Block Development Officer,Officer incharge of the Police Station visited the most vulnearable area of Madabdihi Police station under 261-Raina (Sc) AC. The area was also flag marched by CPF jawans for area domination and confidence building amongst the electors. The visit was started at about 10.00 am from the Polling station area of 207-Kotsimul Nimna Buniyadi Vidyalaya . District Magistrate walked through 5 booths in villages from house to house and the held wide discussion with the electors , enquired about the EPIC, Voter list ,whether they were allowed to cast their vote freely and assured all conducive enviornment for free and fair elections. On several occasions during one to one discussion important information were collected. DM and his team entered into the houses of affected people and held discussion with them sitting in their houses.

Later on the team was divided into three ,one led by DM and visited the Katsimul area, another team headed by ADM(ZP) visited the Polling station area of 206- Hodilpur F.P School Room-1 and another team led by Subdivisional Magistrate visited the Polling station area of 205-Atapur F.P School Room 1. The Visit and discussion with the electors continued upto 1 PM and after that the team assembled at Madabdihi Police station. Officer In charge Police station informed that he has got sufficient CPFs and he will execute all 10 NBWs, mostly in area we visited today in next 2 to 3 days.

The most important aspect of the visit was that phone number of the intimidated families were collected and they were provided with the mobile numbers of Returning officers, sector officers were given to them so that they can inform any untoward incident in their area instantly and action can be taken by the quickest possible means.

Response of the visit was overwhelming.

DEO & DM requested all the Returning officers/Sector Officers throughout district to intensify the visit to the vulnerable villages, to talk with vulnerable families randomly there & talking with them confidentially , to enquire about the EPIC , Voter List etc and to exchange mobile numbers and to assure them to be in touch.

Election preparedness meeting at 4 pm at Asansol today with All ROs, SDO and ADM Asansol

After completing the review of election preparedness in Sadar, Katwa and kalna Subdivisions, Asansol meeting will be held at 4 pm at Circuit House Asansol on 6th March 2011. SDO Asansol to please call all ROs, as communicated through ADM Asansol this morning. There will also be review of preventive actions by the police and local administration after the ROs' meeting.

Durgapur Sub divisional meeting will be held on 10th March 2011.

Visit to Katwa Subdivision on 5th MArch 2011 to review Election preparedness

I plan to visit SDO Katwa office on 5th March 2011 in the evening to review election preparedness and status of implementation of model code of conduct. Similar visits to other Subdivisions follows.

Visited SDO Katwa office at 5 pm and then Kalna SDO office at 7 pm. Detailed review of preparedness held with SDOs, ROs in both the Subdivisions. Some of the points discussed and decided are as follows :-

• AC wise control rooms are functional. One senior officer as Nodal officer may be engaged at control room duty in shifts to coordinate all the works of Model Code of Conduct, Expenditure Monitoring, Media Monitoring on MCC + Expenditure and complaint monitoring under whose direction VST, VT, Accounting Team (AT), Flying Squads and Control Room information flow shall function. He will update the RO on all the matters and also prepare necessary reports, notices, show cause etc for the signature of RO. He will also ensure maintenance of single Register AC wise for complaint monitoring and shadow expenditure register with the help of personnel appointed therein.
• All reports, CDs from VST, Media Team, Control Rooms must come to RO's control room daily.
• 20-25 % of vehicles required for the use of sectors can be hired with immediate effect.
• Continuous updation applications received till 28th February 2011 must be disposed off within N-8 and entered in the Electoral Roll database provided for the purpose. EPIC maximisation must also be undertaken by all ROs within this period. This year second supplement will contain EPIC number of electors allowed under continuous updation.
• VM and LOR mapping as per latest instruction of ECI to be started immediately by sectors. They must be thoroughly briefed about the exercise and one to one meeting with Police Stations must be facilitated by ROs/ BDOs. This report must reach district by 16th March 2011 positively.
• Daily MCC notices to violators must be issued and removal of defacement must be improved.
• Repair and maintenance of polling stations and counting centres must be undertaken out of existing funds of SSM, TSC and development funds and must be completed well in advance. List of polling booths requiring sinking re sinking of tube well must be sent to district from SDO's end so that permission may be accorded.
• Booths may be identified among the critical booths for web casting and necessary infrastructure may be assessed. Number was indicated in the meeting.
• LOR issues were discussed and necessary instructions were given to SDPO and SDO Katwa as regards to safe return of homeless/ ousted persons from Ketugram and Mangalkote villages. Most of the families returned and only few left to be returned safely.

All ROs please activate MCC teams

Action on MCC are highly inadequate so far in all Subdivisions except Katwa. All ROs must gear up the teams. Activate VSTs, VTs and Complaint monitoring teams for each AC and see that all violations are captured. Control rooms must be operational and manned.

Defacement of property is visible at several places, that must be dealt firmly. Daily reports must indicate number of cases detected and acted upon. All hoardings and banners depicting Govt achievements must be removed immediately. ROs must direct concerned

Civil Police meeting on 11th March 2011 - modified schedule

Police Civil meeting on 11th March 2011 will be held at 2.30 pm at Sanskriti Metro. There will be meeting with police officers only to be taken by SP from 11 am onwards followed by Joint Meeting at 2.30 where all Civil and Police Officers from Block, Police Stations shall attend. This will be held post lunch.

BDOs will attend election meeting from 11 am onwards at Sanskriti Metro and Joint Meeting post lunch. However, Police Officers of all Ranks from OC upwards shall attend District Police Training from 3.30 pm onwards for 2 hours.

ECI has issued directions regarding Vulnerability mapping, LOR sensitivity at PS, Sector and AC level. Orders have been circulated to all ROs. All Blocks and Police Stations are expected to complete the SO VM before the meeting on 11th March 2011 so that we may review the progress on action taken.

Election section to please issue formal orders.

Meeting with Police Stations and Block officers at 11 am onwards on 11th March 2011

A meeting with all police and civil officers from OC/ IC of Police Stations and BDOs upwards i.e. CI, SDPOs, DySPs, SDOs, ROs, Addl SPs, ADMs and other senior officers at HQ is proposed to be held on 11th March 2011 at 11 am onwards. Venue and agenda will be intimated shortly.

The meeting will be held in two parts.

In part I, district level training of all police officers shall be organised by district training cell using PowerPoint presentation as prepared by State Teams on LOR, Expenditure Monitoring and MCC. It may be held between 11 am to 1.30 pm. At the same time, detailed election preparedness meeting shall be held with BDOs and ROs.

Part II meeting shall be held post lunch jointly with police and civil officers. SP Burdwan and DM Burdwan will address the joint meeting. It is likely to last for one hour.

Formal circular follows.

Counting centre deatils received from all ROs - some clarifications

We have received counting centre arrangements and DCRC plan from all ROs. CEO West Bengal held meeting with all DEOs today at Kolkata. Here are some clarifications from district considering the guidelines and scrutiny of plans :-

• There can be two halls per AC with ceiling of 14 table each. In ACs where number of booths including auxiliary is less than 224 i.e. rounds can be completed in 16, only one hall per AC with 14+1 table may be allowed. In other cases, two halls will be allowed with as many tables as planned to complete the counting in 12 to 16 rounds.
• Some ROs have proposed less than 8 tables in a hall that is not permissible. They must resubmit the plans afresh. Similarly, more than 14 tables are also not allowed.
• Detailed maps, information sheet must be sent in original in two copies with signature of ROs/ SDOs.
• Strong room and halls must be in the same building/ premises.
• Media centre must be located in the same premises at prominent location.
• Each hall must have provision for installation of computers for compilation of form 20.
• DCRC and counting centre must be at the same location. In some cases, it is not possible due to parking space constraints at counting centres. ROs must send justification in remarks column so that the plan can be approved by ECI.

There seems some confusion regarding allowing permission to Political parties meetings now in the district by SDOs. relevant portion of Expenditure monitoring circylar in reproduced here to clarify the issue :-

"5.5.1. Monitoring of Public Meetings, Rallies etc. Any candidate or his representative, who applies for permission for a public meeting or a rally shall also submit an expenditure plan in the format given in Annexure-16 along with the application for permission. 5.5.2. A copy of this expenditure plan shall be given by the DEO along with copy of permission letter to the officer sent on duty for maintenance of law and order to that public meeting or rally and also to the Assistant Expenditure Observer for making necessary arrangements for videography of the events. 5.5.3. The accounting team will calculate separately the expenditure incurred in each of the public meetings or rallies on the basis of notified rates and keep the folder of evidence which are collected by way of photographs, video recording. and statements etc." As per section 77 of the R.P.Act,1951,every candidate at an election shall either by himselfor by his selection agent, keep a separate and correct account of all expenditure in connection withthe election, incurred or authorized by him or by his election agent between the date on which he has been nominated and the date of declaration of the result thereof, both dates inclusive.rovided under section 77 of RP Act.

In view of the above, Plan of Expenditure is applicable to Candidates and from date of notification. So permmission can be accorded to political parties for meetings by SDOs if other conditions related to use of loudspeakers, NOC of Polcie etc are complied.

Meeting with all Police Stations and BDOs, ROs next week - agenda follows

All Political party meeting at 12 noon on 4th March 2011 followed by Press Briefing regarding MCC

Meeting with district leaders of recognised National and State Party is scheduled on 4th March 2011 at 12 noon at video conference hall adjacent to DM's chamber court compound. This will be followed by Press Briefing at around 2 pm.

We have already circulars related to MCC, Printing press obligations and clarifications on MCC. These issues were also explained to all BDOs and ROs through video conference by DEO Burdwan from 12.30 pm to 2 pm. All ROs may now organise trainings/ briefings to political parties at their level as explained in the VC and seek their cooperation in strict compliance of MCC. Copies of all latest circulars may be given to them.

Latest circular on Model Code of conduct - issued by ECI on 1st March 2011

This has over riding effect on earlier circulars. Now Guest Houses, Dak Bungalow can be used on equitable basis to all parties.

Sub: Application of Model Code of Conduct – General elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry regarding.

I am directed to state that the Commission has announced the schedule for holding General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of the States of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Union Territory of Puducherry.

2. With this announcement, the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct for the guidance of the Political Parties and Candidates have come into force with immediate effect. This may be brought to the notice of the Government, all Ministries/Departments and all other offices of the Union Government and the State Governments of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Union Territory of Puducherry.

3. Your particular attention is drawn to clause VII (vi) of Model Code, which, inter-alia, states the party in power whether at the Centre or in the State or States concerned, shall ensure that no cause is given for any complaint that it has used its official position for the purposes of its election campaign and in particular:–

(i) (a) The Ministers shall not combine their official visit with electioneering work and shall not also make use of official machinery or personnel during the electioneering work; E:\work-13-April-2010\March-2011\01.03.2011\Appln. MCC-Gen-Elecs-AS-(1)-2011.doc

(b) Government transport including official air-crafts, vehicles, machinery and personnel shall not be used for furtherance of the interest of the party in power;

(ii) Public places such as maidans etc., for holding election meetings, and use of helipads for air-flights in connection with elections shall not be monopolised by itself. Other parties and candidates shall be allowed the use of such places and facilities on the same terms and conditions on which they are used by the party in power;

(iii) Rest houses, dak bungalows or other Government accommodation shall not be monopolized by the party in power or its candidates and such accommodation shall be allowed to be used by other parties and candidates in a fair manner but no party or candidate shall use or be allowed to use such accommodation (including premises appertaining thereto) as a campaign office or for holding any public meeting for the purposes of election propaganda;

(iv) Issue of advertisement at the cost of public exchequer in the newspapers and other media and the misuse of official mass media during the election period for partisan coverage of political news and publicity regarding achievements with a view to furthering the prospects of the party in power shall be scrupulously avoided;

(v) Ministers and other authorities shall not sanction grants/payments out of discretionary funds from the time elections are announced by the Commission; and (vi) From the time elections are announced by the Commission, Ministers and other authorities shall not -

(a) Announce any financial grants in any form or make promises thereof; or

(b) (Except civil servants) lay foundation stones etc. of projects or schemes of any kind; or

(c) Make any promise of construction of roads, provision of drinking water facilities etc.; or

(d) Make any ad-hoc appointments in Government, Public Undertakings etc. which may have the effect of influencing the voters in favour of the party in power.

4. As will be observed from Para 3{Clause IV} above, no advertisements shall be issued in electronic and print media highlighting the achievements of the Govt. at the cost of public exchequer. If any advertisement has already been released for telecast/broadcast or publication in the print media, it must be ensured that the telecast/broadcast of such ads or electronic media is stopped forthwith and that no such ad is published in any newspapers, magazines, etc., i.e. in print media from today itself and it should be immediately withdrawn..

5. A copy of the instruction of the Commission contained in its letter No.437/6/2009-CCBE dated 5th March, 2009 is enclosed for your information and necessary action. E:\work-13-April-2010\March-2011\01.03.2011\Appln. MCC-Gen-Elecs-AS-(1)-2011.doc

6. The Commission directs that there shall be a total ban on the transfer of all officers/officials connected with the conduct of the election. These include but are not restricted to: -

i) The Chief Electoral Officer and Additional/Joint/Deputy Chief Electoral Officers; ii) Divisional Commissioners;

iii) The District Election Officers, Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers and other Revenue Officers connected with the Conduct of Elections;

iv) Officers of the Police Department connected with the management of elections like range IGs and DIGs, Senior Superintendents of Police and Superintendents of Police, Sub-divisional Police Officers like Deputy Superintendents of Police and other Police officers who are deputed to the Commission under section 28A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951;

v) The transfer orders issued in respect of the above categories of officers prior to the date of announcement but not implemented till date should not be given effect to without obtaining specific permission from the Commission in this regard. vi) This ban shall be effective till the completion of the election. The Commission further directs that the State Government should refrain from making transfers of senior officers who have a role in the management of election in the State.

vii) In those cases where transfer of an officer is necessary on account of administrative exigencies, the State Government may with full justification approach the Commission for prior clearance.

7. You are also requested to kindly refer to the Compendium of Instructions (Vol.3) on Model Code of Conduct which is available on the website (http;//eci.nic.in) of the Election Commission of India. (A hard copy of this volume is also enclosed herewith).

Action taken on Vulnerability received - report must be in format only

Some ROs has sent the report with description of actions, without realising that only codes were required. How can one do analysis in excel with this?

Model Code of Conduct has come into effect from 1st March 2011 - all please follow strictly

With the announcements of General Elections to West Bengal Legislative Assembly 2011, MCC has come into effect from 1st march 2011. Please ensure that it is followed strictly and in letter and spirit. MCC teams must be activated, control rooms at RO level must start functioning forthwith and daily monitoring of Media reports must be done by ROs. Some of the important extracts from MCC are noted herein for guidance :-

MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT

AREAS OF APPLICATION

1) Execution of welfare schemes and Government work 2) Publicity/campaign on welfare schemes and Government work 3) Appointment, transfer and posting of Government officials 4) Use of Rest house, Dak Bungalow and other Government accommodation 5) On misuse of official vehicle

Prohibition or ban on following activities after commencement of MCC

• Announcement of new project or programme of concessions or financial grants in any form or promises thereof • Laying of foundation stones • Fresh or new sanction of any Governmental schemes • Review of progress of development works by political executives, Ministers • Processing of beneficiary oriented schemes, even if it is ongoing • Fresh or new release of any fund of welfare schemes • Work under MPLAD, BEUP will also come under this restriction • No new work shall start in the field after enforcement of MCC even if work order is issued to contractor before MCC came into effect • Tenders are not to be finalized during the election process [Instruction S. No.1 of compendium Vol.-3. ECI letter No.464/INST/2007-PLN-l dated 07.01.2007 & Instruction S No 15 of compendium Vol-3. ECI letter No.437/6/2004 dt 9.3.2004]

Certain exception (Works which are permitted with prior approval of ECI)

• Relief work for the people suffering from emergency situations viz occurrence of flood, drought, earthquake, other natural calamities and accidental cases of the fire and other unforeseen calamities • Welfare measures for the aged and infirm persons (viz. Pension cases and others) • Provision of drinking water by way of water tankers, digging of bore wells and dug wells in scarcity areas This work can only be undertaken by Government functionaries. No Minister of Government of political functionaries can be associated in such management of drought relief. [Instruction S. no.16 of compendium Vol-3 ECI letter No.437/6/23/2004-PLN-lll dated 11.3.2004]

Special provisions for certain schemes

IAY

• Beneficiaries who have been sanctioned IAY in 1st installment can be given second installment • Fresh sanction of new beneficiaries can't be given

SGSY

• Only those SHGs which have received part of their subsidy / grant can be provided balance installments • No fresh individual / group can be given financial assistance [Instruction S No.18 of compendium Vol-3 ECI letter No.437/6/16/2003/PLN-lll dated 01.04.2004]

MGNREGA

• The job card holder will be provided wage employment, if they demand, in ongoing works • If no employment can be provided in ongoing work, new work can be taken up from shelf of approved schemes keeping the DE$O informed • No new work shall be started till there is scope of engaging job seekers in the ongoing project • In case no shelf of project is available or all works in the shelf are exhausted then programme officer will have to move to commission through DEO for getting approval for new work [Instruction Sl No31 of compendium Vol-3 ECI letter No437/6/2006/PLN-lll (Vol.lll) dated 16.3.2006]

Release of fund under MPLAD/BEUP

• No fresh release of fund can be made • No work can be started even if work order is issued prior to introduction of MCC but not started in the field • No new work order can be issued • Only the works which are ongoing can continue • There is no bar on release of payments subject to full satisfaction of the authority • [Instruction Sl No.21,52 & 54 of compendium Vol-3 ECI letter No.437/6/2004/PLN-lll dated 26.8.2004, 576/17/84 dated 9/11/1984 & No 437/7/2004-PLN-III dated 29.2.2004]

Permissible Activities

• Work physically started before commencement of MCC can continue

Other Provisions

• Financial institutions funded partially or wholly by the State Govt. should not take recourse in writing off loans, enhance financial limits by indiscriminate issuing of loans [Instruction S No 12 of compendium Vol-3 ECI letter No437/6/2002/PLN-lll dated 25.1.2002]

• No demolition/eviction drive can be carried out by any Govt./civic agencies

• In case such demolition is to be carried out as per order of the court of law, the matter should be brought to the notice of Commission first [Instruction S No 13 of compendium Vol-3 ECI letter No437/6/3/2004/PLN-lll dated 19.2.2004]

Review of Development work

• No official video conferencing should take place between the Ministers and union of State Govt. and other political functionaries [Instruction S No 29 of compendium Vol-3 ECI letter No437/6/3/2004/PLN dated 30.12.2004]

2. PUBLICITY /CAMPAIGN ON WELFARE SCHEMES & GOVERNMENT WORKS

• Ban on display of advertisements and hoarding at the cost of public exchequer. • All such hoardings, advertisements previously displayed are to be removed. • No such advertisement can be issued in newspaper or any other media including electronic media at the cost of public exchequer. • Only hoarding, advertisement which carry general message to the masses on family planning, social welfare schemes etc. may be allowed to be displayed. (Instruction S. No. 14 of compendium Vol.3. ECI letter No. 437/6/2004-PLN-III dated 08.03.2004) • Release of advertisement on pulse polio programme is allowed. • Photographs of political leaders in such advertisement should be avoided. (Instruction S. No. 26 of compendium Vol.-3. ECI letter No. 437/6/Misc./2004-PLN-III dt. 08.01.2004)

3. Appointment, transfer and posting of officials : Ban on following activities :

• Total ban on transfer of RO, ARO and other Revenue Officers connected with conduct of Election. • Total ban on transfer of Police Department Officers connected with management of election and other police officers who are deputed to the commission under section 28A of RP Act-1951. • Total ban on other officer drafted for election work like sector & zonal officers and others who have a role in the management of election. • Transfer orders issued prior to date of announcement of poll but not implemented should not be given effect to after announcement of poll without obtaining specific permission from the commission. • No appointment or promotion in Government / PSUs without prior clearance of the commission can be given.

Exception : In case where transfer is considered necessary for administrative exigencies, prior clearance from commission is mandatory.

4. Restriction on use of Rest House, Dak Bungalow and other Government accommodation :

• Such accommodation shall not be monopolized by the party in power. • Allotment policy should be fair. • It should never be used as campaign office or for holding any public meeting. • Only temporary stay (boarding and lodging) is allowed. • Even casual meeting by members of Political Parties are not permitted. • Only the vehicle carrying the person for accommodation and not more than 2 other vehicles are permitted inside the compound of the Guest House. • Rooms should not be made available for more than 48 hours to any single individual. • These will be freeze on such accommodation 48 hours before the close of poll. (Instruction S. No. 8 of compendium Vol.3. ECI letter No. 437/6/38/2004/PLN-III dated 06.04.2004)

• Ban on utilization of various State Guest Houses, Bhabans and Sadans for election related activities by the Political Parties (Holding of party meeting / Conference etc.) • No restriction on use of such Bhabans for accommodation proposes for officers & others visitors. • Allocation of room should be done in a fair and equitable manner. (Instruction S. No. 4 of compendium Vol.3. ECI letter No. 437/6/98/PLN-III dated 08.01.1998)

5. ON MISUSE OF OFFICIAL VEHICLE

Official vehicles cannot be used for electioneering work, “Official Vehicles” include all vehicles belonging to the :

• Central Government. • State Government. • Public Undertakings of the Central and State Government. • Joint Sector Undertakings of Central and State Government. • Local Bodies, Municipal Corporation, Municipalities. • Marketing Boards (by whatever name known). • Co-operative Societies. • Autonomous District Councils, or • Any other body in which public funds, howsoever small a portion of the total, are invested, and also • Vehicles belonging to the Ministry of Defence and the Central Police Organizations under the Ministry of Home Affairs and State Government.

For clarifications contact Statutory cell or MCC cell.

Election meetings at District level at 10.30 to 11.30 am daily and 6 pm to 7 pm evening wrap up with ADMs

As decided daily review of election preparedness, report returns etc with OC Election, OC statutory cell and ADM Election shall be held daily at 10.30 am at DM's Bungalow Office starting from 1st March 2011. Other cells as per need may also be invited in this meeting.

ADMs have been advised to hold meeting with officers and staffs under their control and brief DM & DEO at 6 pm daily at DM's Bungalow office. All issues related to policy matters, financial and statutory decisions and election preparedness may be raised in this highest decision making team.

All OCs must furnish a daily report to ADMs henceforth so that consolidated report can be given to DM by ADMs at evening meetings.

SDOs and ROs are also advised to hold daily review meeting.

Friday briefing with SDOs, BDOs and ROs through VC shall continue till date of notification.. Thereafter, biweekly meetings will be held.

CEO's meeting with ADM Elections and DMs on 3rd March 2011 at Kolkata - reports on election preparedness to be sent from SDOs please

CEO will review election preparedness with all ADMs and DMs on 3rd March 2011 that will be followed by one to one meeting with ROs on 5th/6th March 2011. All ROs and SDOs must send updated reports on all agenda as per list of pending reports sent by OC Election.

Action taken report on Vulnerability Mapping must be given personal attention by ROs/ SDOs.

Attention all ROs - expenditure monitoring teams training, DCRC counting venue and control room for MCC should be finalised early

Some urgent activities which ROs are required to complete early by today :-

• Read new circular on Expenditure Monitoring and send names of Video Viewing teams (VVT), Video Surveillance team (VST), Accounting Teams, Static squad (SS) and Control Room cum MCC teams names to training cell to organise training. Complete training by 3rd March 2011.
• Rates of expenditure items must be collected and sent to District Expenditure Monitoring Cell at district.
• Provide phone numbers of control room and media centres.
• DCRC venue list must be emailed to OC Election today by 5 pm positively.
• Counting centre venues with number of halls, tables each AC must be emailed today. Maximum rounds 12 to 13 and table 14 in a hall, with two halls each AC should be taken into consideration.

Daily meeting at DM & DEO level at 10.30 am with election section and at 6 pm daily with ADMs to start wef 1st March 2011. All may please note.

Training of ROs at Burdwan from 15th to 16th February 2011

One day training workshop for Returning Officers of Nadia, Burdwan, Birbhum, Purulia and Bankura commenced today at BDA meeting hall. This is for the first time that formal training of ROs are being held, much in advance.

Next, we will organise training of sector officers on 21st and 22nd (proposed) at each Subdivision level. We also plan to conduct trainings of MCC teams, expenditure monitoring teams and video teams of all ACs in due course of time. All ROs must identify the trainees and plan for training venues, dates.

On 18th February 2011 at 4 pm Video Conference with ROs, issues of training calendar, sector related issues, polling personnel, MCC and other election preparedness issues shall be discussed. All ROs please attend with update. SDOs please inform BDOs also to remain present from their VC room. Please make VC rooms functional.

OC Election will formally issue letters for VC please.

All ROs please prepare Calendar of activities with ref to Press Note.

There are several new features of Elections this year. One of them is several teams to be constituted at RO level for expenditure monitoring. Teams for Accounts maintenance, Expenditure observers, video surveillance, illegal cash tracking teams, video viewing teams and MCC teams are required to be formed. All ROs are advised to collect names of persons and form these teams so that their trainings can be organised before press note. Please also prepare calendar of activities to be completed before press note and immediately after press note. Presentation on the matter is uploaded on my google docs folder.

Salient decisions of meeting with BDOs, SDOs today

• All Bdos must come into election mode now. Ensure that the election office in block and Subdivision offices are strengthened with the presence of efficient and active staff, email connectivity and system of regular checking of emails by the BDOs personally, all reports through email only.
• All officers must keep a copy of Sector Officers check list and ROs check list with him, carefully read these in addition to compendium on conduct of elections.
• Sector personnel to be identified and appointed as such by ROs before 21st February so that their training may be started. Collect images for issuing photo ID cards to all of them during the training. Sub sectors can be formed wherever number of booths in a sector is greater than 10 booths including auxiliary. Sub sector can be manned by LDA rank staff.
• Update the information on polling stations, auxiliaries, premises, verification of PSLs and follow up on shortcomings in infrastructure on drinking water, sanitation, doors & windows, approach roads and double entry exit out of SSM, NREGA, TSC and other development funds.
• Distribute all EPICs, destroy defected and old EPICs, plan coverage of non image and non epic electors. Target 100 % status.
• Follow up on Vulnerability mapping, arrest of wanted, NBW executions, confidence building measures etc. Close liaison with Police is emphasised.
• Identify teams for MCC, Expenditure monitoring, video squads well before announcement of elections and get them trained.
• Take preparatory steps for immediate implementation of MCC immediately after press note.
• Polling personnel database must be refined to filter names who are required to be exempted based on health problems and get them examined at Medical Board well in advance. No need to compel bed ridden employees to appear before the board. Rather, authenticated treatment documents may be examined by Board. Thorough checking of data is also required.
• All staff and officers under orders of transfers must be released.
• Continuous updation work to be undertaken at ERO level, not at the block. Update register and pass specific orders.
• Finalise routes and map of the routes for GIS purpose.

Formal minutes will be issued from election section.

Follow up on the Chief Minister's VC

SDOs please follow up the outcome on VC by Hon'ble CM today :-

• Caste certificate disposal in Burdwan is one of the best in the state. Appreciation to all associated with the process. However, more number of camps to be organised in minority dominated areas of OBCs and ST/SC for submission of applications on the spot, checking the same and issue of caste certificate in 25 days cycle as explained to SDOs earlier. Each SDO to organise one big programme for distribution of certificates within this month at Subdivision level for cases prepared over two weeks.
• Pensions are provided to 1.27 lakhs of families in Burdwan district under different departments of State Govt. Efforts are there to release funds upto March 2011. All payments must be made in time immediately on getting the funds. Monitor the filling up vacancies and identification of new cases under widow and disability categoriies.
• Provident funds schemes for unorganised sector were also discussed with SDOs today. Review with ALCs to cover more prople under SASPFUW, BOCW, Transport Workers schemes and PROFLAL. More camps for enrolment to be organised.
• Review food related issues and Ration card replacements with SCFS.
• Forest Rights Patta work is good and complete in Burdwan.

Election meeting with BDOs at 3 pm on 11th February 2011

A meeting to discuss election issues shall be held at 3 pm at BDA conference hall with all BDOs, SDOs on 11th February 2011 after the Zilla Sansad meeting is over. ADM Election to please issue letter and ask OC Election to prepare PPP.

Thanks all for timely submission of Vulnerability Mapping of all Booths

We have received booth wise vulnerability mapping of all polling stations in the district today. We are analysing the reports and certainly expect all ROs to review progress of actions as suggested in earlier circulars.

Names of vulnerable hamlets, name of the persons and specific case details have been furnished all the Police Stations. Thanks to all of them and the ROs.

Useful visit to Ketugram Police Station and areas to assess law and order situation

Senior officers were asked by us to review the preparation of vulnerability mapping of each booth with details of trouble mongers, vulnerable hamlets, preventive actions etc through out the district. ADMs, SDOs and other senior officers interacted with police officers, block officers and general public over last three days and discussed the VM and LOR as per the requirements for peaceful elections.

I visited Ketugram PS area this afternoon. Interaction with IC Ketugram and his team was very useful and helpful to assess the present situation there. It is praiseworthy that effective policing at present could improve the general LOR in this PS area now. Effective policing could be possible in disturbed areas in some parts of Ketugram block I. Trouble mongers have been identified clearly and best possible efforts are on to nab all of them. Initiating steps for proclaimed offenders, attachment of property are some of the welcome steps taken by this PS.

VM prepared is exhaustive and carefully prepared. Intensification of actions on VM is required to be undertaken effectively.

Later, visited Ankhona, Palita and Pandugram GP areas and interacted with people. Poppy destruction in Pandugram areas is taking place under the supervision of Supdt of Excise and SDO Katwa. So far 50 acres could be destroyed in the single day today. There are reports of poppy cultivation in 4000 acres. Operations will continue till it is completely destroyed. Funds of Rs 2.5 lakhs have been sanctioned for the purpose. Interacted with local GPs and reminded them the mandatory provisions of NDPS act where GPs are supposed to inform Excise about poppy cultivation. GPs were advised to place notices on their offices that poppy cultivation is illegal act and GP shall not stand by those cultivating the poppy.

Similar actions at all places in the district have been initiated. All ROs please submit detailed VM by 9th Feb 2011 evening.

Sub: EPIC & Continuous Updation- Reg. Abstract from Circular issued by CEO West Bengal

(1) Regarding last mile EPIC coverage:

Although a good number of EPIC is prepared and distributed on NVD across the state, the task of last mile EPIC coverage still remain incomplete. Large scale EPIC programme in decentralised manner should, therefore, continue. Merging and preparation of EPIC should be continued using the same EPIC database that has been used before NVD. Care should be taken to prepare EPICs free of errors. Also Correction of erroneous EPICs should be given due importance.

(2) Regarding preparation of Supplement-2:

“Roll Data Entry” software will be provided shortly to enter data for Supplement-2 (continuous updation) which would be finalised on the last date of nomination. The Addition list of Supplement-2 will contain photographs of new electors. New electors mean those who appear in the electoral roll for the first time through continuous updation process started after final publication of roll’11. Photographs of existing electors whose photographs are merged after final publication’11 will appear in the “Correction List” of Supplement-2. Existing electors mean those who are already enrolled in the finally published roll’11. After completion of roll data entry in respect of Supplement-2, using “Roll to EPIC” utility software the new electors’ entries will be copied into the existing EPIC database. Then EPIC will be prepared for the new electors from the EPIC database by scanning & merging. The next step is merging of EPIC database with Roll Database using “EPIC to Roll” utility software. Finally, the Supplement-2 PDF will be generated from the Roll Database. The “Roll to EPIC” and “EPIC to Roll” utility software will be provided in due course. (3) No Section wise sorting in the List of Addition of Supplement-2:

One very important point in connection with Supplement -2 is that the electors in the addition list will not be sorted Section wise. Since serial numbers of the electors are to be communicated to them immediately after disposal (for accepted cases), the serial nos. of the electors could not be changed later and that is why Section wise sorting is not possible in Continuous updation (Chapter VIII, Para 21 of Handbook of EROs,2008). It may be noted that Roll Data Entry Software used in summary revision has the feature of sorting electors Section-wise. Now the Software is being modified so that electors are not sorted Section wise and Serial Numbers are not changed during data entry. (4) Communication of the result of disposal under Continuous Upadtion Process :

In every case where applications under Section 22 & 23 are allowed, that fact should be communicated to the applicant. In this regard, instructions contained in Chapter VIII, Para 34 of Handbook of EROs, 2008 should be followed strictly. (5 No suo-motu deletion except confirmed death case:

Provisions of Suo-motu deletion should not be resorted to during the current phase of continuous updation except in confirmed death cases, that too with documentary evidence (Chapter VIII, Para 30 of Handbook of EROs,2008). (6) Control Table Correction:

For the purpose of top sheet information corrections, software will be provided soon so that district can make such corrections at their end. The Supplement -2 that would be finalised on the last date of making nomination will have the corrected top sheet. (7) Web reporting:

The progress of Continuous updation and EPIC preparation and distribution should be furnished through web reporting system on weekly basis (every Friday) without fail.

I had VC with ROs today. As discussed, please prepare EPIC photography and image collection programme to cover 100 % electors.

Thanks all Election Managers, BLOs, block teams of BDOs and Subdivision teams of SDOs for successful NVD

I must congratulate all the election officials, team of BLOs and staff at Block and Subdivisions for successful National Voters' day in the district today. As per the reports so far received from SDOs we could cover

• 504 booths in Sadar North where 27378 persons attended and 17751 EPICs were distributed to new voters.
• 888 booths in Asansol where 45000 persons attended and 41000 EPICs were distributed to new voters.
• 591 booths in Kalna where 28000 persons attended and 22000 EPICs were distributed
• Katwa 6775 EPICs distributed as per initial reports.
• 927 booths in Durgapur where 15000 persons attended and 14120 EPICs were distributed.
• and 7414 EPICs were distributed in Sadar South as per initial reports.
• Thus, total 109060 EPICs were distributed and voters felicitated at around 3900 booths as per preliminary reports.

All SDOs please send detail reports in format. Please also ascertain the number of booths where NVD was not organised and identify the BLOs who failed to perform their duties. We must fix responsibility, if it is found that election officials did not take steps to organise NVD.

My best to all and hope that we achieve 100 % EPIC before Feb 2011 end.

NVD organised at Kalna Shyamsunder Vidyapith

NVD in Burdwan I block area, assistance booth.

Proud New voter with EPIC and Cap on NVD in Burdwan I block

Oath at Shyamsunder Kalna, young voters with badges, reciting oath in presence of all political parties.

Monthly development meeting on 11th Feb 2011 at 10.30 am

Next development meeting shall be held at 10.30 am on 11th February 2011 at Sanskriti. This time we are inviting all GPs, Prodhans, GP employees and block functionaries. Review of GP performance on NREGA, Rural Housing (IAY+ Ashray), Sanitation, utilisation of Finance commission grants, CHCMI and use of GUS funds, RSBY, School health programme, SGSY, NSAP and Institutional issues of GPs will be done through presentation by district officers. Printed reports on each programme and issue has to be prepared by concerned district level officers, and circulated to Blocks in advance. BDOs please ensure that updated reports are sent to district well in time. ADM ZP is issuing formal letters.

If time permits, we will also review RGGVY, SSK/MSK, Mid Day Meal and other programmes.

Video Conference on Caste Ceritificates and Forests Rights Act on 9th Feb 2011

Back ward classes welfare department may hold Video Conference to review caste certificate cases and forest rights act patta disposal on 9th Feb 2011. All SDOs are also required to attend at DM Burdwan office VC room.

Meanwhile, please expedite disposal of pending applications and send up to date reports to PO DWO with copy to my email. SDOs must also furnish reports on number of camps organised at School level and Block level in 2010 and January 2011.

As regards, Forest Rights Act, we have issued pattas in all cases. Status of Institutional cases and some pending patta under Durgapur Subdivision needs to be looked into by the SDOs.

National Voters day - EROs to review arrangements

NVD will be organised tomorrow from 12 noon onwards. EROs please personally check :-

• All EPICs to be distributed have been checked and found error free, replace erroneous ones.
• All electors whose EPICs will be distributed are intimated personally by BLO of the booth.
• All publicity matters, badges, oath forms etc reaches BLO in time.
• All recognised political parties are intimated by phone also be ERO to attend AC level function.
• ERO must please review the arrangements.

DEO Burdwan shall attend at Kalna where district level programme is being organised.

Press Release on National Voters' Day on 25th January 2011 at 12 noon

• Press Release The Election Commission of India has decided that 25th January every year will be observed as National Voters’ Day (NVD) through out the country as a measure to encourage citizens to participate in democratic electoral process. ECI orders in this regard have been circulated to all concerned.
• Brief ceremonies will be organized on that day at District, Sub-Division, Block & Booth levels with the following programmes. The District level programme is being organized by the Sub Divisional Officer, Kalna at Shyamsunder Vidyapith, Kalna PS No 264/144 and 264/145.
• Booth Level functions will generally be held at Booth premises.
• Newly eligible and newly registered voters will be felicitated in these ceremonies.
• EPICs will be distributed to the newly registered voters. In total 124011 numbers of EPICs will be distributed throughout the District from booth level.
• Badges with ECI’s logo will be given to newly registered Electors.
• A pledge will be taken by all the citizens attending the ceremony. Form-6 (For inclusion of name in voter list) & Form-8 (For correction of entries in voter list) will be given during the function to persons needing any of the forms.
• Vigorous campaign has already been launched through posters, banners etc. as well as other means of publicity.
• Continuous updation for Inclusion / Deletion / Modification has been started & shall continue till the last date of submission of nomination for the purpose of West Bengal Assembly Election 2011.
• Electors without EPIC card can collect 001C form from BDOs/EROs and submit the same with 2 Copies of Colour Photograph to the concern Designated Officer.
• Any person willing to enlist his/her name in the Voter List or requiring any correction with respect to his/her name in voter list can collect respective form from the SDOs/EROs/BDOs. Properly filled up forms along with supporting documents may be submitted to concerned E.R.O offices for disposal under continuous up-dation.

All SDOs please celebrate Netaji Subhas Jayanti at all Subdivision

Govt has decided to organise function tomorrow on the occasion of Deshatwa Diwas. Invite all as per standard protocol for republic day.

VC with all SDOs, ROs of Burdwan today - decisions

• All ROs to set up email checking system in their offices and also strengthen office management, including posting of personal staff to ROs.
• All polling station reports of shifting, verification, sector proposals etc to reach OC Election by 27th January 2011.
• NVD to be organised at all booths, EPIC distribution to be maximised through BLOs and wide publicity. Ensure presence of all political parties.
• All ARO/ RO proposals to freeze and final.
• Disposal of Continuous updation forms on weekly basis and send report through email.
• Follow up on LOR issues as per decisions of meeting on 16th January 2011 at CH Burdwan, improve performance of security proceedings.
• Meeting with OCs and BDOs by all ROs in next week to finalise sectors, complete VM and follow up on LOR.
• Complete verification of PP database and send data to district by 31st January 2011.
• Send proposals of DCRC by 31st January 2011 after discussing with police.
• All reports and circulars through email/ soft copies only, avoid fax reports.

Meeting with Police Officials on 25th January 2011 at 3 pm

SP Burdwan Mr H Kabir and I may hold a meeting with all Police Officials from Police Stations and Subdivisions regarding general law & order and election preparedness on 25th January 2011 at 3 pm. Any point which needs to be discussed may be emailed to my email by BDOs/ SDOs/ ROs please. All SDOs may refer to minutes of meeting with police officials held on 16th January 2011 at CH Burdwan and do follow up as per decisions there in.

Please send gmail accounts to my email

Please send Gmail accounts of all ROs/ BDOs, OC Election at Subdivisions to my email so that I can authorise them in the Gmail group. We'll allow the blog to authorised Gmail account holders only as its in public domain at present.

Meeting at Anamaya - Health Secretary West Bengal heard Doctors

Executive Magistrate court functioning must be effective and decisive to extend relief promptly

I have written several letters after Inspection of SDEM Courts that the disposal should be expeditious and decisive to extend relief to the petitioners at the quickest possible speed. Earlier notes are available on this blog. We organised training of EMs at district level and also issued formal orders.

I visited Sadar EM Court, examined case records of several cases filed by Police under section 107/109 CrPC. It is noted that in none of the cases I examined today, in presence of Ld SDEM, bonds under section 116 CrPC could be issued in last one year. There are bail bonds with surety, but no further steps to draw security proceedings could be initiated.

In view of General Elections to West Bengal Legislative Assembly 2011, preventive measures are required to be taken by the SDEMs/ SDOs in terms of directions of ECI. These includes security proceedings with bonds from the persons identified to be trouble mongers/ those who may disturb free, fair and peaceful electioneering process and also the habitual offenders/ persons of dangerous nature etc as provided under law. It is expected that all cases filed police are disposed immediately, within 30 to 45 days duration without further delay.

All Subdivisions must review the cases filed SDOs and take steps as per the orders.

NVD on 25th January 2011 - DEO Burdwan attends at Kalna

National Voters Day shall be celebrated throughout the country on 25th January 2011. In Burdwan district events to be organised at all booths where EPICs to new electors, one badge will be handed over to young electors. SDOs must attend at one of the booth in their areas. All EROs/ AEROs BDOs must also attend the function in their respective areas.

I am planning to attend the function in Kalna at a booth to be identified by SDO Kalna. All recognised political parties, media personnel may please be invited by the concerned election officials.

Meanwhile, ensure that all printed material, badges etc reach to the BLOs in time. Also, ensure that all EPICs of new electors are also sent to BLOs with proper distribution list by 24th January 2011.

SDOs/ EROs must review the arrangements personally. We may take stock of position on Friday through video conference.

Continuous updation applications must be disposed off in time - EROs please note

I got a report from OC Election today which indicates that out of 25 Assembly Constituencies in the district, 23 ACs got 2456 number of form 6 applications and 690 form 8 applications as on 18th January 2011. Two ACs, namely Jamuria and Baraboni registered ZERO applications.

Out of form 6 only one ERO, namely Bardhaman Dakshin only could accept 62 form 6 and 12 form 8 till date. In all other cases, applications are pending for disposal.

All EROs please note that ECI has directed them to ensure that wide publicity is given to provisions, applications are facilitated at ERO offices and all applications are disposed off promptly and personally by ERO concerned. We need to improve the position. Any delay on this matter is unfortunate and undesired. Please review the position in your ACs and take steps as per ECI directions. There should be system of redressal of grievances of petitions filed by electors at ERO level.

Meetings to review Election preparedness on every Friday at 4 pm through VC

I had meeting of OCs of Cells today to review the election preparedness where ADM Election was also present. As per the discussion, review meetings shall be held with SDOs and ROs from 4 pm onwards through VC on every Friday. BDOs may attend as per their convenience from block HQ. Areas of review in this week are :

1. Intensification of photo coverage by 25th January 2011, preparation of EPICs and their distribution.
2. National Voters Day celebrations - organise functions at each AC level by RO, at Subdivision by SDO and Booths by BLOs.
3. Execution of NBW, Preventive actions and Vulnerability Mapping.
4. Reports on Law & order issues and review of investigation of cases.
5. Finalisation of sectors, booths and DCRC locations.
6. Polling personnel database and manpower planning
7. Collection of gmail accounts of all ROs and Group mail system.
8. Misc issues

Let's come together to share for the TEAM

Whatever mismanagement takes place in conduction of election is due to communication gap. Hope, this innovative idea of our District Magistrate on sharing thoughts of election managers through posting their write up on conduct of election will keep our TEAM BURDWAN well informed about all circulars, guidelines and planning in advance and we shall conduct the SLA, 2011 with great success.

Comments of Blog Author : It is good that newly added authors have started posting their thoughts. I have added more contacts on author list. Please post your thoughts/ comments. As discussed in the meeting at Circuit House conference hall on 16th January 2011, this blog of TEAM BURDWAN will be used for information sharing during the Assembly Election 2011. We encourage more and more people to join.

TEAM Burdwan