Micro-observers at MP polling stations

Bhopal, Oct 17: With Madhya Pradesh going for the Assembly polls along with four states, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided to deploy micro-observers at specific polling stations to keep a close watch on proceedings on the polling day.

The micro-observers would be appointed from among the Central Government and Central Public Sector undertaking officials available locally and would work under the supervision of general observers, state Election Office sources told UNI today.

Though the Madhya Pradesh government is yet to decide on honorarium for the micro-observers, those deployed for the recent Assembly elections in Gujarat were paid a lump sum of Rs 700 while their Karnataka counterparts received Rs 500 each.

The ECI had already issued guidelines and a checklist for the micro-observers, who under no circumstances would act as Presiding Officer or Polling Officer. His or her task would be to observe that the election process is being carried out in a free and fair manner and there is no vitiation of any kind. The micro-observers would also be properly trained on relevant and crucial issues relating to polling-day activities.

UNI