EC hikes poll duty allowances ahead of Bengal elections, rates nearly doubled

In a significant move ahead of the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026, the Election Commission of India has announced a substantial increase in allowances for polling personnel, marking the first major revision in nearly a decade. The decision covers a wide range of officials, including presiding officers, polling staff, counting personnel, micro observers, and security forces, aiming to boost morale and efficiency during the election process.

The revised structure reflects a sharp increase across categories, with many allowances nearly doubling compared to previous rates fixed between 2014 and 2016. Officials involved in critical election duties such as surveillance, monitoring, and field operations will now receive significantly higher compensation, while food allowances for polling and counting staff have also been enhanced. The Election Commission stated that the move is intended to recognise the demanding nature of election duties and ensure smoother conduct of the polling process.

Revised Allowances (Detailed List):

Presiding Officers & Counting Supervisors
Earlier: ₹350 per day → Now: ₹500 per day

Polling Officers
Earlier: ₹250 per day → Now: ₹400 per day

Counting Assistants
Earlier: ₹250 per day → Now: ₹450 per day

Group D Employees
Earlier: ₹200 per day → Now: ₹350 per day

Other Election Staff (Surveillance, accounting, call centres, flying squads, monitoring cells)
Earlier: ₹1,000–₹1,200 per day → Now: ₹2,000–₹3,000 per day

Micro Observers
Earlier: ₹1,000 per day → Now: ₹2,000 per day

Gazetted Officers (less than 15 days duty)
Earlier: ₹2,500 → Now: ₹4,000

Gazetted Officers (beyond 15 days, weekly allowance)
Earlier: ₹1,250 → Now: ₹2,000

Subordinate Officers (Constables, less than 15 days duty)
Earlier: ₹1,500 → Now: ₹2,500

Food Allowance (Polling & Counting Staff)
Increased by ₹150 → Now ₹500

Sector Officers & Assistant Expenditure Observers
Earlier: ₹7,500 → Now: ₹10,000