Kolkata, April 20 -- The Election Commission of India has rolled out a stricter polling-day protocol to curb bogus voting and ease congestion at booths ahead of the first phase of Assembly polls in West Bengal.

The poll body has mandated a "two-step verification" system for voters entering polling stations, along with tighter enforcement of prohibitory orders around booths.

The "silence period" for Phase I will begin at 6 pm on April 21, and for Phase II from 6 pm on April 27. District administrations and police have been asked to ensure compliance.

According to a senior EC official, voters must clear two levels of checks before casting their vote. At the first layer, CAPF personnel at the entrance will verify original identity documents. At the second layer, at the Voter Assistance Booth (VAB), Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will confirm identity and ensure the voter belongs to the area. Only after clearance will entry to the voting compartment be allowed. The Commission has directed strict enforcement of Section 163 BNSS within a 100-metre radius of polling stations. No gatherings will be permitted, and surveillance will extend to adjoining lanes to prevent crowding or unauthorised presence.

Polling station premises will be demarcated to restrict outsiders and prevent impersonation. The Commission has warned of strict legal action against any official found guilty of bias or negligence. Sector officers have been tasked with ensuring uniform implementation of the protocol. The state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has asked officials - from DIG-rank officers to district magistrates and superintendents of police - to implement the measures without delay.

Fresh guidelines have also been issued for Presiding Officers (POs). A 20-30 minute training session will be held before departure to polling stations, after which POs must submit an undertaking confirming receipt of documents and training. Detailed instructions on duties will be provided during the session, followed by the signing of a prescribed form.

The BLO Aikya Manch (BLO Unity Forum) has questioned the need for the undertaking. "We fail to understand why such an undertaking is necessary. Presiding Officers already sign upon departure; why an additional requirement?" said general secretary Swapan Mondal.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.