Bengal Election Commission Tackles "Shadow Zones" with Tech Upgrades and Strategic Partnerships

West Bengal's Election Tech Muscles Flex: Battling "Shadow Zones" with Connectivity Upgrades and Strategic Alliances

Calcutta, India: Recognizing the vulnerability of remote polling booths to communication blackouts, the West Bengal Election Commission is taking decisive steps to eliminate "shadow zones" – areas plagued by poor or no mobile and internet connectivity. This strategic tech offensive aims to ensure seamless communication during upcoming elections, particularly in challenging regions like Jungle Mahal, Sunderbans, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong.

"Shadow zones," manifesting as both "voice shadow zones" and "internet shadow zones," pose a significant hurdle in technology-dependent elections. Presiding officers rely on these connections for crucial functionalities like relaying voting data every two hours. In the 2019 elections, Bengal grappled with 159 voice shadow booths and a staggering 1,019 lacking internet access.

Determined to overcome these geographical hurdles, the commission has embarked on a multi-pronged approach:

• Partnership Power: A crucial meeting with telephone service providers initiated the collaborative effort. Initial shadow zone data from district magistrates is being verified and addressed by telecom players.

• Targeted Focus: Recognizing the unique challenges of specific regions, the commission is prioritizing connectivity upgrades in Jungle Mahal's forests, Sunderbans' riverine areas, and the hilly terrains of Darjeeling and Kalimpong.

• Webcasting Ambitions: With an emphasis on communication in sensitive areas, the commission aims to webcast from 50% of all booths. This necessitates robust internet connectivity, further fueling the focus on shadow zone elimination.

• Tech Twists: Moving beyond traditional satellite phones, the commission is embracing cutting-edge solutions. GPS-enabled temporary setups, spearheaded by telecom giants, promise robust communication channels for real-time data flow.

• Preparedness for the Unexpected: Recognizing potential disruptions, the commission is equipping booth-level officers with the knowledge and resources to communicate through alternative channels if necessary.

This proactive approach reflects the commission's commitment to conducting smooth and reliable elections, even in the remotest corners of West Bengal. By embracing technological advancements and forging strategic partnerships, the Election Commission is ensuring that "shadow zones" cannot cast a shadow over the democratic process.