Election Commission Blocks Transfer and Posting of Officers in Assam

New Delhi: A day after the Government of Assam has re-designated some of the police officials of the state. The Election Commission of India directed the Government to keep the transfer/posting of these police officers in abeyance till further orders.

The Home Department of the Assam Government re-designated some of its officials and order for the transfer of 12 IPS and 6 APS officers on Friday. Taking cognizance of the matter the ECI stated that with the announcement of the dates of election, the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct came into force. It further directed the state government to keep on hold the transfer and posting of these officials in abeyance until further orders.

In a press release issued by the Election Commission of India, it has been stated that "the Commission vide its press note dated 26th February, 2021, had announced the schedule of General Elections to Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry. With this announcement, the provisions of Model Code of Conduct has come into force with immediate effect, which includes total ban on the transfers/postings of all officers connected with conduct of elections. It has come to the notice of Commission that Govt. of Assam has, on 26th February 2021, ordered the transfer of 12 IPS and 6 APS officers. The Commission has therefore decided to keep the transfer/posting of these police officers in abeyance till further orders."

It needs to be mentioned here that the Commission has recently announced the dates of the Assam Assembly Elections 2021, which will be held in three phases on March 27, April 1 and April 2. The counting of the election to the 126 seats of the Assam Assembly will take place on May 2.

While announcing the dates the Election Commission of India stated that it is committed to conducting a free, fair, participative, accessible, inclusive and safe election to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry before the cessation of its term, in the exercise of the authority and powers conferred upon under Article 324 read with Article 172 (1) of the Constitution of India and Section 15 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Also Read: Congress has Weakened, we will Strengthen, Unite and Build the Party: G-23 Congress Leaders

Also Watch: Book Launch Event Held at Margherita India Club