In a historic and first-of-its-kind decision, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has mandated the deployment of government doctors for election duty in the upcoming 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections. Traditionally, poll duties are assigned to teachers and administrative staff, but this year, the ECI has directed District Magistrates to enlist government doctors while ensuring that essential medical services remain operational.

Simultaneously, the Commission has issued a strict prohibition on the involvement of teachers and non-teaching staff whose services were terminated following orders from the Calcutta High Court. To maintain the absolute integrity and neutrality of the voting process, the ECI has ordered the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal to ensure that no “terminated” or “disputed” employee is assigned any election-related task, including polling, counting, or micro-observation.

Key Highlights of the EC Order:

• Addressing Manpower Shortage: With an increase in the number of polling stations, the Commission is exploring high-level professional pools to meet the required workforce.
• Integrity Check: By barring terminated teachers, the EC aims to prevent any legal or political controversy surrounding the conduct of the polls.
• On-Site Medical Support: The presence of doctors in official poll capacities will also act as a failsafe for providing immediate medical intervention to voters and polling staff in case of emergencies.

This decision marks a significant shift in the administrative handling of elections in West Bengal. Specialized training modules for medical professionals are expected to be rolled out soon as the state gears up for the high-voltage 2026 electoral battle.