EC Introduces GPS, Bodycam Monitoring for Central Forces Ahead of West Bengal Assembly Polls

The Election Commission of India has put in place a monitoring mechanism to supervise the deployment and movement of central armed police forces in West Bengal ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

According to officials, the system is designed to ensure that central forces deployed in the state are used strictly for election-related duties and in accordance with the Commission’s guidelines during the poll period.

As part of the new monitoring framework, vehicles used by the central forces will be fitted with GPS tracking devices to enable real-time tracking of their movement across the state. In addition, personnel deployed on election duty are expected to use body cameras during operations so that their activities can be documented and reviewed when necessary.

Officials said the initiative is intended to enhance transparency and accountability in the deployment of security forces during the electoral process.

The monitoring system will also include regular reporting and oversight mechanisms to track how the forces are being utilised on the ground.

A senior official told The Telegraph that the primary objective is to ensure proper utilisation of the forces during the election period.

“There will be a system to monitor the movement of central forces to ensure they are deployed strictly in accordance with Election Commission instructions,” the official said.

The official added that the Commission has already conveyed its position to the state administration and security agencies.

“The EC has made it clear to the state police nodal officer and the nodal officer of the central forces that there will be zero tolerance for any deviation from the guidelines meant to ensure free and fair elections. Everyone will be under watch this time,” the official said after a meeting with the state’s Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal and nodal officers of the state police and central forces.

The Election Commission has also planned the deployment of several companies of central armed police forces in the state even before the formal announcement of the election schedule. These units are expected to be stationed in various districts to assist in security arrangements during the electoral process.

According to the report, the Commission has requested the Centre to deploy around 480 companies of central forces in West Bengal by March 10, ahead of the election announcement.

Sources told The Telegraph that the Commission is taking additional precautions following complaints during previous elections that some sections of the central forces were allegedly compromised or ineffective in preventing political violence in certain areas.

There have also been allegations in earlier polls that the state police sometimes played a partisan role, prompting the Commission to rely more heavily on central forces to maintain neutrality.

Officials said the newly introduced monitoring system, along with periodic activity reports from unit commanders, is aimed at ensuring that security personnel remain accountable throughout the election process.

The steps come as the Election Commission intensifies preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal.​