The Election Commission on Tuesday directed five states due to hold Assembly elections in 2027 to transfer certain categories of officers directly involved in election work.The directive applies to Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Such transfers are routinely ordered before Lok Sabha and Assembly elections to ensure fair conduct.The Election Commission recently ordered a Special Summary Revision, or update, of electoral rolls in 17 states, including these five.
It had said elections in the five states could be held "early next year".In a communication to the states, the poll body said officers posted in their home districts must be transferred. The order also covers those who have completed three years in a district during the past four years or will complete that period by May 31, 2027, in the case of Uttar Pradesh.
The order covers district officials such as District Election Officers, Returning Officers, Additional District Magistrates, Sub-Divisional Magistrates, Tehsildars and Block Development Officers. Divisional and Municipal Commissioners are also included.Police officers from the rank of Sub-Inspector to Range Additional Director General and Inspector General are covered by the directive.
It also applies to officers of Sub-Inspector rank and above in the excise and transport departments. Officers posted at state headquarters are exempt from the order.
Staff not involved in election work, including doctors, engineers and teachers, are also exempt.The term of the 493-member Uttar Pradesh Assembly ends on May 22, 2027. The terms of the 60-member Manipur, 40-member Goa, 117-member Punjab and 70-member Uttarakhand Assemblies end on different dates in March 2027.Provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, allow the Election Commission to hold elections "earlier than six months before the term expires".
The transfer directive is part of the poll body's preparations for the five Assembly elections due in 2027.- Ends