TFP Bureau, New Delhi; February 25, 2024: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a directive to all state governments, urging them to prevent the re-posting of officers within the same Parliamentary Constituency after completing three years of service in a district.
Expressing concern over instances where officers were being transferred to adjacent districts within the same Parliamentary Constituency, the Commission has reinforced its transfer policy to maintain a fair electoral environment.
Under the strengthened guidelines, all states, except those comprising up to two Parliamentary Constituencies, must ensure that officers transferred out of a district are not posted within the same Constituency. The Commission emphasized strict adherence to the transfer policy, emphasizing that compliance should not be superficial but genuinely implemented.
The directive applies retroactively to transfers and postings previously carried out in accordance with the Commission’s earlier instructions. According to the ECI Policy, officers stationed in their home district or serving for three years at a location, particularly those involved in election-related duties, are subject to transfer.
The Commission has maintained a zero-tolerance stance against actions that could compromise the level playing field in elections. Notably, in the recent assembly elections across five states, the Commission ordered the transfer of several officials, including senior police personnel.
The move underscores the Election Commission’s commitment to ensuring transparency and fairness in electoral processes, reaffirming its role as the guardian of democratic principles.
