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ECI Halts Bengal's Transfer of IAS Officers on Poll Duty, Cites Rule Violation

The Election Commission of India has directed the West Bengal government to cancel the transfer orders of three IAS officers who are on temporary deputation to the ECI for a special voter list revision. The ECI's communique, sent to the Chief Secretary, stated the transfers were made without the Commission's prior concurrence, violating established protocol. It demanded the orders be cancelled immediately and future transfers require ECI approval. The state government and ruling party had not yet reacted to the directive at the time of reporting.

Key Points: ECI Stalls Bengal IAS Transfers, Demands Prior Approval

  • ECI stalls state-ordered IAS transfers
  • Officers on deputation for voter list revision
  • Prior approval from ECI mandatory
  • Three named IAS officers affected
  • Compliance deadline set for Jan 28
2 min read

ECI stalls transfer of bureaucrats on temporary deputation to poll body for Bengal SIR purposes

Election Commission cancels Bengal's transfer of 3 IAS officers on deputation for voter list revision, citing violation of protocol.

"Since the transfers of these officers have been ordered without prior concurrence... it violated the Commission's instructions - ECI communique"

Kolkata, Jan 27

The Election Commission of India on Tuesday communicated to the West Bengal government informing about its decision to stall the state-government ordered departmental transfers of Indian Administrative Service officers from the West Bengal cadre who are currently on temporary deputation to the Commission for the ongoing special intensive revision in the state.

In the communique to West Bengal Chief Secretary Nandini Chakraborty, the ECI's secretary Sujeet Kumar Mishra also reminded that the state government should obtain prior concurrence of the Commission in future before issuing such orders for departmental transfers of IAS officers currently on deputation to the ECI.

In the diplomatically strongly-worded communique, the ECI secretary reminded the State Chief Secretary that during the SIR period, the chief secretaries must ensure that no official involved in the SIR process is transferred without prior approval from the Commission.

The Commission maintained that ECI had appointed 12 electoral roll observers along with five divisional commissioners for the SIR purpose, and these officers are on deemed deputation to the ECI for the SIR.

Thereafter, the ECI secretary claimed in the communique that it recently came to the notice of the Commission that the state government had ordered the departmental transfers/posting of three IAS officers, namely Asvini Kumar Yadav, Randhir Kumar, and Smita Pandey.

"Since the transfers of these officers have been ordered without prior concurrence of the Election Commission, it violated the Commission's instructions in the matter," said the ECI communique.

"In view of the above, I am directed to state that the transfer orders be cancelled forthwith. Further, you are requested to obtain prior concurrence of the Commission before issuing such orders in the future. A compliance in this regard may be sent to the Commission by 03:00 p.m. on 28.01.2026," the communique read.

At the time the report was filed, there was no reaction either from the state government or from the ruling Trinamool Congress on the matter.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good move by ECI. In a sensitive state like Bengal, we need to ensure the revision process is free from any political interference. Transferring officers mid-process without consultation looks suspicious, to be honest. Hope the state complies without any drama.
R
Rohit P
While I support the ECI's stance on maintaining autonomy, the language of the communique seems very strong. Could this have been handled with a bit more diplomatic finesse to avoid unnecessary confrontation? Both sides need to work together for smooth elections.
S
Sarah B
As an observer, it's clear the rules exist for a reason. The state government's attempt to transfer these specific IAS officers working on SIR raises questions. Transparency is key. The ECI is just enforcing its own guidelines to ensure a fair process.
V
Vikram M
Typical bureaucratic tussle, but the principle is important. When officers are on deemed deputation to ECI, the state can't just pull them out. This is basic administrative protocol. Bengal govt should avoid such oversights, it doesn't look good.
N
Nikhil C
The 3 PM deadline tomorrow shows the ECI means business! No dilly-dallying allowed. This is how independent institutions should function - with clear deadlines and zero tolerance for violation of rules. Hope other states are taking note.

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