Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel deployed on election duties in West Bengal have expressed concerns over substandard living conditions in several camps, prompting the Election Commission of India (ECI) to activate emergency provisions under the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for tendering and fast-track arrangements for basic facilities, officials familiar with the matter said.
From non-functioning toilets and poor ventilation to inadequate bedding and lack of water supply, multiple teams of CRPF companies have reported deficiencies across the camps, particularly in south Bengal, citing not only inhumane conditions but also security in the camps.
A CRPF officer, who requested anonymity, said, “When troops are sent anywhere on poll duty, arrangements are made by the state government. Such issues have been reported in various camps, mostly in south Bengal. In many places there are no shipping ports or sanitation facilities. CRPF personnel work in difficult areas but since some basic facilities, which could have been arranged were missing, the problem was flagged. A review of the camp’s security and living conditions was also conducted after the staff pointed out The problems were first reported in and detailed reports were sent to election officials in the area.
A second officer said concerns had arisen from camps in places like Purba Medinipur, Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Medinipur Birbhum, Malda and Murshidabad, stressing that the problem was not limited to one area. “It is also a security issue. In many locations, our boys have made arrangements to fill the gap even to store our weapons. Even the lack of proper lighting outside poses a threat to arms, ammunition and even ICEC documents. Basic facilities like proper lighting outside the camps should have been done before. This is a violation of the standard guidelines in place.”
The second officer added that concerns were highlighted due to the discrepancy with the facilities provided in the same areas to West Bengal Police personnel, which did not appear to suffer from similar shortcomings.
It is certain that although it is the district administration that makes this arrangement, it currently reports to the Chief Executive of West Bengal due to the model code of conduct in place.
Although West Bengal has around 2,400 CAPF companies – the highest among all states, the Center is sending 150 more CAPF companies to West Bengal next week, ahead of the polls in two phases – April 23 and 29. In view of the growing threats and fears of election violence, the EC has already issued orders to retain 500 CAPF companies, even after the counting is completed, until further orders. In addition, only 200 companies have been allocated for security arrangements for electronic voting machines and counting centers in West Bengal. One CAPF company has a certified strength of 120-130, of which about 75-80 are deployed as per standard operating procedures.
A senior official in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in West Bengal confirmed receiving multiple complaints from district election officials over the past few days. “After numerous complaints, directions have been issued to fix the problems. Immediate orders have been issued to the operations directorates to arrange portable toilets and other basic facilities for the deployed staff. Tenders for toilet stalls and food arrangements for deployment under emergency clauses are being prepared within the framework of the Model Code of Conduct,” he added.
