ECI warns Mackintosh Burn for inability to execute AMF in booths
The Statesman | 18 October 2025The ECI has also threatened to take “Criminal proceedings against the board of directors under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS),” for its failure to execute the work.
The commission, in a strong letter, has asked the Mackintosh Burn ‘to resume survey works and preparation of estimates etc. within next 72 hours positively’.
The letter, written by the additional chief electoral officer (CEO) to the director of the Mackintosh Burn on Friday, days before the office of CEO alerted Antara Acharya, PWD’s principal secretary, to take immediate steps so that AMF and extended minimum facilities (EMF) like electricity, drinking water, repair work of windows etc and other basic infrastructure facilities are properly arranged at every polling station across the state.
“It is, however, noted with dismay that Mackintosh Burn ltd (MBL), vide its communication dated 13.10.2025, has unilaterally expressed its inability to execute the assigned work,” the letter states.
Failure to comply with AMF and other facilities required for polling at booths will lead to “Initiation of suitable action against the officers of Mackintosh Burn Ltd (MBL) as envisaged under the Act and conduct rules,” according to the letter.
It also states: “Appropriate action against Mackintosh Burn Ltd (MBL) which may include financial penalty, blacklisting etc, which may prohibit its participation in Govt tender across the country,” may also be taken for its ‘inability’ to execute the work.
“Criminal proceedings against the Board of Directors under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS),” may also be initiated, it states.
The CEO’s office, with approval of the state finance department, had entrusted the undertaking during the end of July to execute the infrastructure facilities at polling booths for the forthcoming Assembly elections.
The undertaking had also given its official consent to take up the ‘assignment’ but now it has expressed its inability to execute the work at a time when Assembly polls are nearing, according to sources.
Mrs Acharya was not available for comment.
