ECI Takes Unprecedented Step in Selecting Election Observers
In a significant departure from established protocol, the Election Commission of India has directly handpicked senior bureaucrats from Telangana to serve as election observers for the upcoming elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. This unusual move bypasses the traditional process where state governments submit lists of officials for consideration.
Direct Selection from Key Departments
According to informed sources, the ECI specifically selected officials from crucial Telangana government departments including the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, health, planning, power, welfare, and the Telangana Industrial Infrastructure Corporation. This direct selection represents a clear deviation from the commission's standard operating procedure.
Typically, the general administration department of each state submits a list of officials for election duty, from which the ECI makes its final selections. However, this time, the commission itself identified and selected senior officials from Telangana before submitting the finalized list for assignment.
Rejection of State Government Recommendations
Sources revealed that the Telangana government had submitted an alternative list of officials for election observer duties, but this list was not accepted by the Election Commission. "That list was not accepted by the commission," sources confirmed, highlighting the ECI's determination to maintain control over the selection process.
Even officials who normally seek exemption from election duty due to personal constraints were reportedly overlooked in this selection process, despite the state government's revised recommendations.
Broader Selection Across Southern States
The ECI's unconventional approach extends beyond Telangana. Officials selected from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka were also called to Delhi for a meeting with the commission on Friday. "During the break period, matters of discussion were on the changes regarding postings. But, officials are yet to receive clear directives on their specific assignments in designated states or locations," sources explained.
In another departure from past practice, officials from the budget wing of Andhra Pradesh were selected just days ahead of the state's budget presentation. Under normal circumstances, the ECI and state governments engage in extensive consultations before finalizing observer lists.
Expanded Responsibilities for Selected Officials
The selected officers will reportedly have broader responsibilities than in previous election cycles. "However, this instance stands apart; the selected officers will have to actively participate during the nomination process while also monitoring potential election violations during the voting," sources indicated.
This represents a significant expansion of duties compared to traditional observer roles, which typically focus primarily on monitoring election day activities rather than involvement in the nomination process itself.
Contrast with Standard Practice
Ordinarily, state governments recommend officers whose duties do not directly involve essential public service delivery or urgent administrative work. In contrast, the ECI this time chose senior officers across multiple departments, including those with critical ongoing responsibilities.
The commission's decision to directly select officials rather than relying on state government recommendations suggests a heightened emphasis on ensuring independent oversight during the upcoming elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
