With the Lok Sabha elections looming closer, the Election Commission of India has issued directives to state governments, urging them to ensure that officials who have been transferred out of a district after serving for three years are not redeployed in another district within the same parliamentary constituency.
This directive comes in response to instances where officials were reassigned to adjacent districts within the same constituency, thereby impacting the equilibrium in electoral processes.
Issued on February 24, 2024, the Election Commission's directive underscores the importance of strictly adhering to the official transfer policy by state governments.
The Election Commission stipulates that, except for states or union territories comprising up to two parliamentary constituencies, all states must ensure that transferred officers are not assigned duties within the same parliamentary constituency.
The objective behind this measure is to forestall any disruptions caused by officials that could potentially disrupt the level playing field in electoral proceedings, thereby upholding the integrity of the election process.
Furthermore, the Election Commission has emphasized that this rule will be applied retroactively, encompassing transfers and postings that have already taken place under its jurisdiction.
As per the Election Commission's policy, officers who have either completed a three-year tenure in a single location or served in their home district are subject to transfer. This mandate extends to all officials involved in electoral duties, whether directly engaged or in a supervisory capacity.
The Election Commission has consistently maintained a stringent zero-tolerance stance against any actions that might compromise the fairness of electoral processes. During recent Assembly elections in five states, the Commission authorized the transfer of numerous officials, including senior police officers, to uphold the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and fairness.
