West Bengal Poll Staff to Receive Lower Allowance than ECI Mandate
Bengal CEO directive says poll staff to get ₹170 each, ₹330 less than ECI’s order
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
The West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer's directive sets the food allowance for polling personnel at ₹170, significantly lower than the Election Commission of India's (ECI) revised rate of ₹500. This decision affects approximately 400,000 polling staff ahead of the upcoming elections on April 23 and 29, 2026.
- 01West Bengal's polling personnel will receive ₹170 for food, contrary to the ECI's ₹500 rate.
- 02The directive affects around 400,000 personnel across 85,379 polling stations.
- 03The ECI's revised allowance was the first increase since 2016.
- 04The ECI has stated that deviations from its rates will be corrected.
- 05West Bengal's elections are scheduled for April 23 and 29, 2026.
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A directive issued on April 3, 2026, by the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has set the food and refreshment allowance for polling personnel at ₹170 per head, which is ₹330 less than the ₹500 mandated by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on August 8, 2025. This decision has raised concerns as it contradicts the ECI's revised rates, which were the first increase since 2016. The directive affects an estimated 400,000 polling personnel across 85,379 polling stations in West Bengal, including officials from various government departments and security personnel. A senior ECI official emphasized that the Commission's order is binding and any deviation will be addressed promptly. In related news, the ECI has approved additional polling stations to accommodate larger voter populations, ensuring all voters are informed of any changes. The elections in West Bengal are set for April 23 and 29, with counting on May 4.
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Polling personnel in West Bengal will receive significantly less for food, impacting their overall compensation during the election period.
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