Election Commission Transfers Non-IAS and Non-IPS, DMs & SPs in Four States

In a bid to ensure a level playing field and uphold the integrity of the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections 2024, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued transfer orders for non-cadre officers occupying leadership positions as District Magistrates (DMs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) in four states: Gujarat, Punjab, Odisha, and West Bengal.

The decision, which underscores the commission’s commitment to maintaining the neutrality and fairness of the electoral process, follows a meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner  Rajiv Kumar along with Election Commissioners  Gyanesh Kumar Shri Sukhbir Singh Sandhu.

The transferred officers include:

1. Gujarat: SPs of Chhota Udaipur and Ahmedabad Rural districts.
2. Punjab: SSPs of Pathankot, Fazilka, Jalandhar Rural, and Malerkotla districts.
3. Odisha: DM of Dhenkanal and SPs of Deogarh and Cuttack Rural districts.
4. West Bengal: DMs of Purba Medinipur, Jhargram, Purba Bardhaman, and Birbhum districts.

Additionally, the Commission has directed the transfer of SSP Bathinda in Punjab and SP Sonitpur in Assam due to their familial association with elected political representatives. This move aims to preemptively address any concerns regarding the impartiality or perceived bias of the administration.

The directive instructs respective state governments to promptly transfer non-encadred officers from their current roles as DMs and SPs/SSPs with immediate effect. They must also submit a compliance report to the Commission to ensure the smooth implementation of these transfers.

The ECI’s proactive measures reflect its unwavering commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections, safeguarding the democratic principles and values of the Indian electoral system.