New Delhi, April 10 -- The central armed police forces (CAPF) personnel deployed for election duty in West Bengal have flagged concerns over substandard living conditions at several camps, prompting the Election Commission of India (ECI) to invoke emergency provisions under the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) to float tenders and fast-track arrangements for basic amenities, officials aware of the matter said.

From non-functional toilets and poor ventilation to inadequate bedding and no water supply, multiple teams of CRPF companies reported deficiencies across camps, particularly in south Bengal, pointing not just to the inhumane conditions but also security at the camps.

One CRPF officer, wishing not to be named, said, "When forces are sen...