A directive issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on April 3 through the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer's (CEO) office has come under scrutiny over a discrepancy in food and refreshment allowances for polling personnel.
Lower rate than ECI-approved allowance
According to an ECI press note dated August 8, 2025, the Commission had revised the food and refreshment allowance for polling staff from Rs 150 to Rs 500 per head, the first increase since 2016, Hindustan Times reported. However, the April 3, 2026 directive from the state CEO office fixes the entitlement at Rs 170 per head, the HT report stated.
Also Read | West Bengal election 2026: Key dates, big faces and why this election matters
The letter, signed by the Joint Chief Electoral Officer and addressed to the Accountant General (A&E), West Bengal, also reportedly states that if a packed meal cannot be arranged, a cash payment of Rs 170 may be provided instead. This figure is Rs 330 lower than the ECI-mandated amount and only marginally higher than the earlier Rs 150 rate.
While the food allowance has raised concerns, the same directive aligns with ECI norms when it comes to daily allowances. Presiding Officers are entitled to Rs 500 per day, while First Polling Officers will receive Rs 400, in line with the August 2025 revision.
Large workforce likely impacted
This could affect a significant number of personnel. West Bengal has 85,379 polling stations, each staffed by a Presiding Officer and multiple polling officials. This brings the number of polling personnel to an estimated 4,00,000. Including security forces, Home Guards, CAPF jawans, NCC cadets and volunteers, the total deployment is expected to exceed 5,00,000.
ECI's response
A senior ECI official acknowledged the issue, stating that the Commission's approved rate remains binding. "The Commission's order is clear and binding across states. If there is any deviation at the state level, it will be examined and necessary corrections will be made at the earliest to ensure personnel are paid as per the ECI-approved rates," HT quoted the official as saying.
In a related move, the ECI has reportedly approved 4,660 auxiliary polling stations to manage booths with more than 1,200 voters. This brings the total number of polling stations in the state to 85,379. Authorities have been directed to inform voters individually about any changes and notify recognised political parties in writing.
Also Read | 'Maha jungle raj': PM Modi attacks TMC over Malda judicial officers' gherao
Polling in West Bengal will be held on April 23 and April 29, with counting scheduled for May 4.
