EC names special observers for SIR drive in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu | India News
New Delhi: The Election Commission On Friday appointed former IPS officer NK Mishra and former IRS officer Pratap Singh as special observers for West Bengal and Tamil Nadu respectively, tasked with overseeing the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls as well as preparation and conduct of the upcoming assembly elections in the two states.Polling in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Kerala as well as the union territory of Puducherry is expected to be held in April-May. The EC usually appoints special observers after announcing the schedule for Lok Sabha / Assembly elections.“As a Special Observer, you will oversee that the SIR process is strictly as per the Commission’s instructions issued from time to time. You will be required to visit West Bengal/Tamil Nadu from time to time to observe the ongoing SIR… polls. Give your input to the Commission for the preparation and conduct of the upcoming General Elections to the Assembly of West Bengal/Tamil Nadu, 2026 and necessary steps,” the EC said in separate communications sent to Mishra and Singh on Friday.The EC has asked the two retired officers – who will be under its supervision – to visit their respective states in coordination with the Chief Electoral Officer concerned. As per Election Commission rules, special observers are paid a base slab of Rs 1 lakh for a two-week deployment, which increases to Rs 25,000 with additional deployments per week. Mishra served as DGP of Sikkim and Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau. Singh worked with Income Tax (Investigation) in Tamil Nadu.
