Amidst the ongoing electoral fervor of Lok Sabha Elections 2024, the Election Commission of India (ECI) showcased its dedication to equitable opportunity by issuing directives for the relocation of non-cadre officials occupying key administrative roles as District Magistrates (DM) and Superintendents of Police (SP) across five states: Assam, Gujarat, Punjab, Odisha, and West Bengal.
The positions of DM and SP are traditionally reserved for officers from the Indian Administrative and Indian Police Services, respectively. The Commission’s decision underscores its unwavering commitment to fairness and the preservation of electoral integrity, echoing the sentiments articulated by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.
This course of action followed a convened meeting chaired by CEC Rajiv Kumar, alongside Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu. The officials slated for transfer include SPs from Chhota Udaipur and Ahmedabad Rural districts in Gujarat, as well as SSPs from Pathankot, Fazilka, Jalandhar Rural, and Malerkotla districts in Punjab.
Furthermore, the DM of Dhenkanal and SPs of Deogarh and Cuttack Rural in Odisha, along with DMs from Purba Medinipur, Jhargram, Purba Bardhaman, and Birbhum districts in West Bengal, are subject to relocation. Additionally, the Commission has directed the transfer of SSP Bathinda in Punjab and SP Sonitpur in Assam due to their familial connections with elected political representatives.
These preemptive transfers aim to dispel any concerns regarding biased administration or perceived compromise. Pursuant to the directive, state governments have been instructed to promptly relocate non-cadre officers currently serving as DMs and SPs/SSPs, with immediate effect, and furnish a compliance report to the Commission.
In a significant move on March 18, signaling a commitment to free, fair, and transparent elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) issued orders for the removal of Home Secretaries in six states: Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
