In a major decision ahead of crucial assembly elections, the Election Commission of India has announced a significant hike in remuneration for officials involved in election duties across five states — West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry.
The move comes just weeks before polling begins and is aimed at boosting morale among thousands of staff who work long, demanding hours to ensure smooth elections.
Why Has the Election Commission Increased Pay?
Officials said the revised pay structure is designed to provide fair compensation and motivate personnel handling election responsibilities. Election duty often involves extended shifts, high pressure, and logistical challenges, making the hike a long-awaited demand.
The decision is also seen as an effort to improve efficiency and accountability during one of the biggest democratic exercises in the world.
How Much More Will Polling Staff Get Now?
Under the new structure, presiding officers will now receive Rs 500 per day, up from Rs 350, taking their total earnings to Rs 2,000 for the entire assignment. Polling officers will earn Rs 400 daily instead of Rs 250, bringing their total to Rs 1,600.
Counting assistants will now be paid Rs 450 per day, a sharp increase from Rs 250, while fourth-class staff deployed at polling stations will receive Rs 350 daily compared to the earlier Rs 200.
Micro-observers, who play a key role in ensuring transparency, will see their remuneration doubled to Rs 2,000.
What About Other Election Staff and Support Teams?
The pay hike is not limited to polling officials. Staff working in control rooms and call centres will now receive a one-time allowance of Rs 1,000, replacing the earlier Rs 200 per day structure.
Class I and II officers will get Rs 3,000 as a one-time payment, up from Rs 1,200. Similarly, Class III staff will now receive Rs 2,000 instead of Rs 1,000.
Teams involved in video surveillance, monitoring, and accounting have also been included in the revised structure, ensuring broader coverage of election-related roles.
Will Food and Daily Allowances Also Increase?
Yes, in a significant boost, daily tiffin allowances for polling staff, police personnel, and home guards have been raised from Rs 150 to Rs 500. This move addresses long-standing concerns about inadequate food support during election duty.
Additionally, Deputy District Election Officers will receive at least one month’s basic pay as an honorarium, further enhancing senior-level incentives.
What About Security Forces on Election Duty?
Personnel from Central Armed Police Forces will also benefit from the revision. Officers serving up to 15 days will now get Rs 4,000 instead of Rs 2,500, while extended duty will fetch Rs 2,000 per week.
Inspectors and sub-inspectors will receive Rs 3,000 for short-term duty and Rs 1,500 weekly for longer deployments, marking a notable increase from previous rates.
What Does This Mean for Upcoming Elections?
The Election Commission has made it clear that the revised pay structure reflects its commitment to recognising the efforts of election staff. With assembly elections approaching fast, the move is expected to ensure smoother operations, better staff performance, and stronger electoral management.
As India gears up for another high-stakes electoral season, this decision could play a key role in strengthening the backbone of the country’s democratic process.
