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ECI Shields Election Officials from Transfers in Five Poll-Bound States

The Election Commission of India has directed that officials engaged in Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in five poll-bound states cannot be transferred until the rolls are finalized. For any unavoidable transfers, the Commission's prior approval must be sought. The order applies to Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, with compliance reports required by February 28. These measures aim to prevent politically motivated transfers and ensure the integrity of the electoral revision process.

Key Points: ECI Bars Transfers of Election Officials in 5 States

  • Shield for SIR officials
  • Approval needed for unavoidable transfers
  • Applies to 5 poll-bound states
  • Compliance reports due by Feb 28
  • Includes excise department officers
2 min read

ECI offers shield against transfers to SIR officials in five poll-bound states

Election Commission protects officials involved in voter roll revision in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal from transfers.

"The transfer orders... shall be issued and implemented only after final publication of the electoral rolls - Election Commission of India"

New Delhi, Feb 10

The Election Commission of India on Tuesday offered a shield against politically motivated transfer/posting to officials engaged in Special Intensive Revision of the electoral roll in five poll-bound States/UT, directing Chief Secretaries and police chiefs to seek its approval in case of unavoidable reshuffles.

"The transfer orders in respect of officers/officials, who are engaged in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral roll work in various States or Summary Revision of electoral roll work in the State of Assam, shall be issued and implemented only after final publication of the electoral rolls, in consultation with the Chief Electoral Officer," said the Election Commission of India (ECI) in a circular.

In case of any need for transfer due to any extraordinary reasons, approval of the Commission shall be taken, said a circular issued by the ECI.

The instructions were issued by ECI Under Secretary Prafull Awasthi to CEOs and state officials of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

The ECI said that the CEO of the State/UT shall invariably be consulted while posting the persons in place of incumbents who stand transferred as per the above policy of the Commission.

A copy of each of the transfer orders issued under these directions shall be given to the CEO, it said.

"The Commission has further directed that transfer/posting of all officers covered under the above instructions shall be done, and compliance reports by Chief Secretary and DGP with details of action obtained from the concerned departments/offices of the State Government shall be furnished to the Commission by February 28," said the circular.

The ECI said these instructions shall also apply to the officers of the Prohibition and Excise Department of the State, of the rank of sub-inspector and above.

The ECI's circular also noted that the Commission has been following a consistent policy that officers directly connected with the conduct of an election in an election-going State/UT are not posted in their home districts or places where they have served for a considerably Iong period.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an observer of Indian democracy, I appreciate these institutional safeguards. It's important that the electoral machinery remains independent. The deadline of Feb 28 for compliance reports adds necessary urgency.
V
Vikram M
Good move, but implementation is key. Will state governments actually follow this? In West Bengal and Kerala especially, political interference in administration is an open secret. The ECI must be ready to take strict action if rules are flouted.
P
Priya S
Finally some protection for the ground-level officials! My cousin works in the election department in Tamil Nadu and the pressure before polls is immense. This shield will help them do their duty without fear. 🙏
R
Rohit P
Including excise department officers is smart. Liquor distribution is a known election tool in some states. Hope this circular is followed in letter and spirit. Jai Hind!
M
Michael C
Respectfully, while the intention is good, this seems like adding another layer of bureaucracy. In "unavoidable" cases, needing ECI approval could delay necessary administrative changes. The process should be efficient too.
K
Kavya N
The policy about not posting officers in their home districts is old but very important. It prevents local biases and influences. Strong election commission = strong democracy. 🇮🇳

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