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GPS Trackers to Monitor CAPF Deployment in West Bengal Elections

Gyanhigyan english February 25, 2026 04:40 PM

Kolkata, Feb 25: The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel assigned to West Bengal ahead of the Assembly elections, commencing March 1, will have their vehicles equipped with GPS trackers. This initiative aims to allow central observers appointed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to monitor the effective deployment of these forces from the outset.

The ECI has mandated that the initial deployment of 240 CAPF companies on March 1, prior to the announcement of polling dates and the implementation of the model code of conduct, must not result in idle personnel. These forces are expected to engage in area domination and familiarize themselves with the state's geography from day one.

According to a source from the Chief Electoral Officer's (CEO) office in West Bengal, the GPS trackers will enable constant tracking of the CAPF personnel's movements, with observers potentially submitting daily reports on their utilization to the Commission.

This monitoring strategy will also extend to an additional 240 CAPF companies scheduled for deployment on March 10.

In previous elections in West Bengal, there were numerous complaints regarding the ineffective use of deployed CAPF personnel, even on polling days. Reports indicated that some personnel engaged in sightseeing during duty hours. To address these issues, the Commission has decided to implement strict monitoring of CAPF movements from the very beginning to ensure their effective use throughout the election period.

The first phase of deployment on March 1 will consist of 110 companies from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), 55 from the Border Security Force (BSF), 21 from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), 27 from the Indo-Tibetan Police Force (ITBP), and 27 from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

The second phase will involve 240 companies on March 10, including 120 from the CRPF, 65 from the BSF, 16 from the CISF, 20 from the ITBP, and 19 from the SSB.

The timeline for the de-induction of these 480 companies, which involves the withdrawal of troops and equipment from the area, will be communicated in due course as per the ECI's directives.