The Election Commission of India has banned transfer of officials engaged in Special Summary Revision of the electoral rolls in Punjab. The ECI has directed the State Government to seek clearance for transfers and postings of such officials, if necessary, from ECI. Punjab Assembly elections are scheduled to be held early next year.
“The Commission reiterates its existing direction that no officials connected with the exercise of revision of electoral rolls like the District Election Officer, Deputy District Election Officers, the Electoral Registration Officers and
the Assistant Electoral Registration Officers etc. should be transferred from their place of posting without the prior concurrence of the Election Commission,
right from the commencement of the work till its completion,” the communiqué from the ECI says.
According to the ECI letter, the transfer of officials engaged in roll-revision adversely affects the work. It has asked the state government to submit the proposal of any unavoidable transfer to it with full justification.
“In case it becomes absolutely necessary to transfer any of the election officers connected with the revision of the rolls, the Election Commission would consider the same on merits, on case to case basis. Any proposal for unavoidable transfer may be sent to us giving detailed and full justification for the proposed transfer,” the communiqué said.
Any officer or staff employed in connection with the preparation, revision and correction of the electoral rolls shall be deemed to be on deputation to the Election Commission for the period during which they are so employed and such officer and staff during the period be subject to the control, superintendence and discipline of the Election Commission.
However, according to the ECI, transfers arising out of regular promotions of probationers (All India Services and States Civil Services) have
been kept out of the ban. The ECI has also directed the State Government to fill up all
posts related to revision of the electoral rolls.