In a significant move to ensure the integrity of the upcoming local body elections, the Rajasthan State Election Commission (SEC) has issued a sweeping order restricting the transfer of officials involved in electoral work. The directive, issued on Friday, aims to maintain stability and impartiality in the administrative machinery responsible for conducting the polls.
Key Directives and Transfer Restrictions
The Commission has imposed a complete ban on the transfer of officers engaged in preparing voter lists for the 2026 general elections to Panchayati Raj institutions and Urban Local Bodies. This restriction specifically covers Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs), Tehsildars, Naib Tehsildars, and all other officials assigned election-related duties.
The SEC stated that from the commencement of voter list preparation until the final publication of electoral rolls, these officers cannot be transferred without obtaining prior approval from the Commission. This measure is designed to prevent any disruption in the meticulous process of list compilation and revision.
Deadlines for Removal and Tenure Rules
The order sets two critical deadlines. First, it directs that all officers posted in their home districts or areas must be removed from their current posts by February 28. Second, it mandates the removal or transfer of officers who have completed three years or more at the same posting.
For calculating this tenure, April 30 has been fixed as the cut-off date. This means any officer who completes three years at one posting by April 30 must be removed from the concerned district, municipality, or panchayat samiti area. The transfer of such officers must also be finalized by the February 28 deadline.
Post-Schedule Protocol and Government Requests
The SEC made it clear that once the election schedule is officially announced, no employee connected with election duties should be transferred. However, it provided a caveat for exceptional circumstances.
The order states, "If it is necessary to do so under special circumstances, or in any case the state government wants relaxation in the above criteria, then such cases should be sent to the State Election Commission with complete details." This ensures the Commission retains ultimate oversight.
The directions have a wide reach, applying to:
- Collectors
- Additional District Magistrates (ADMs)
- Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs)
- Municipal officials
- Station House Officers (SHOs)
- All other officers associated with the election process
This comprehensive order from the Rajasthan SEC is seen as a proactive step to safeguard the electoral process from administrative instability and potential influence, ensuring a fair and transparent election for the state's local governing bodies in 2026.
