Kolkata, Nov. 27 -- The West Bengal government has expanded the financial powers of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), bringing the post on par with senior state bureaucrats such as an Additional Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary and Departmental Secretary for the purpose of administrative sanctions.
According to an official order, the move follows a long-pending proposal under examination by the Finance Department. With the Governor's approval, the CEO will now be able to independently sanction expenditure under Administrative Expenditures and the State Development Scheme (SDS) category.
Officials said the step is likely to smoothen administrative processes and accelerate project-related approvals within the CEO's establishment.
The ...