Poll observers face housing dilemma

Kolkata: District authorities in Bengal are facing a tough time accommodating observers deputed by Election Commission for the upcoming assembly polls in the state.
Several district magistrates have written to chief electoral officer Ariz Aftab, seeking permission to rent private accommodations as most official ones “do not meet basic security and health protocol”. EC officials are unsure as it may require more security and sanitisation.
“Poll observers are accommodated in circuit house or zilla parishad/forest guest houses. But, there has been no maintenance due to Covid. Some buildings have been badly damaged during Cyclone Amphan,” a senior district official said.
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