<h1>Election Commission orders full financial and administrative independence for Chief Electoral Officer under Election Rules</h1> The Election Commission of India has directed the West Bengal government to ensure full financial and administrative independence of the Chief Electoral Officer's office by separating it from the Home Department's control. The Commission highlighted that the current arrangement limits the CEO's autonomy and compromises electoral neutrality, recommending the creation of a distinct Election Department with a dedicated budget and delegation of financial powers equivalent to senior state officials. It also called for appointing a separate Financial Advisor to assist the CEO and filling four vacant CEO posts in consultation with the Commission. These measures aim to secure impartial and effective election management ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections.