Patna: With Bihar Assembly elections approaching, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has stepped up preparations to ensure a free, fair, and impartial polling process. The Commission has issued directives mandating the transfer of officers and employees involved in election work, with all postings to be completed by October 6.
Chief Electoral Officer Vinod Singh Gunjiyal sent formal communications to the Chief Secretary, DGP, and Additional Chief Secretaries, instructing that transfer and posting reports be submitted by the specified deadline.
The transfer orders cover a wide range of officials, including:
Block Development Officers (BDOs), Tehsildars, District Additional Collectors, Divisional Commissioners, Municipal Commissioners
Police officials from ADGP level down to Inspectors
Officers in the Excise and Prohibition Department with over three years at the same posting
“Rotating officers and preventing them from serving in their home districts ensures neutrality and reduces the risk of manipulation during polling,” said an election official.
Exemptions have been made for personnel engaged in computerization, special branch duties, and training. The ECI’s strict measures aim to eliminate local influence, curb partisan activities, and boost public confidence in the electoral process.
Analysts note that the timing of these transfers signals that the Bihar Assembly election schedule could be announced soon after October 6, marking the start of a high-stakes political contest. These steps are seen as crucial in ensuring a level playing field in one of the most closely watched state elections in recent years.
