ECI seeks report after Bengal Govt hiked bonus of civic volunteers ahead of polls

The Election Commission of India has sought a detailed report from the state government following the announcement of an ad-hoc bonus for civic volunteers ahead of the upcoming elections. The decision to grant ₹7,400 to each civic volunteer has triggered scrutiny due to its timing after the poll schedule was declared.

According to an official notification issued by the Police Establishment Branch of the Home Department, the bonus will be provided to civic volunteers working under the state police system, including West Bengal Police and Kolkata Police, as well as village police volunteers in rural areas. The amount marks an increase from last year’s ₹6,800 and has been approved following revised recommendations from the Finance Department.

The Commission has raised concerns as the announcement coincides with the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, prompting it to seek clarification on whether due procedures were followed. The notification states that the proposal received approval from the Governor after review and that the expenditure will be met from designated budgetary allocations.

Administrative sources indicate that civic volunteers play a crucial role during elections, particularly in maintaining law and order, and the bonus is being positioned as a routine financial benefit. However, opposition voices have questioned the intent behind the timing, alleging that such measures could influence personnel during the electoral period, even as the administration maintains that similar bonuses are granted annually.