Chandigarh, February 24: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is strengthening its existing transfer policy to prevent state governments from transferring/posting officers in adjacent districts within the same Parliamentary Constituency, thus ensuring that officials cannot disturb the level playing field in the elections.

The Commission has directed to fill the existing guidelines’ shortcomings.

In accordance with its established policy, the Commission retroactively applies this rule to transfers and postings that it previously instructed and executed.This mandate requires the transfer of all officers who have either served in their home district or completed three years at a particular place, as outlined by the ECI Policy.

directive extends to officers involved in election work

This directive extends to officers involved in election work, whether directly engaged or in a supervisory role, ensuring comprehensive coverage across all relevant personnel. The Commission maintains a Zero Tolerance policy aimed at preserving the integrity of the electoral process and preventing any disruptions to the level playing field during elections. It is noteworthy that during the recent assembly elections held in five states, the Commission took decisive action by ordering the transfer of numerous officials, including senior-level police personnel in the respective states..