Transfer of govt officials, staff on election work should have SEC nod: CEO writes to Chief Secy

BENGALURU: State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Meena has objected to the transfer of government officials and staff involved in election duty without consulting the State Election Commission (SEC).

In a letter to state Chief Secretary Vandita Sharma, has stated that the 2023 Assembly election is drawing close and that the Election Commission of India will enforce the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) anytime soon. In such a situation, officers and staff involved in election duty are being transferred without the concurrence of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and said that all transfers with effect from March 8 have to have his approval.

Some departments have overlooked the guidelines in respect of transfer of officials during election time and, he noted and noted that the concurrence of the CEO should be taken before effecting any transfers. He also requested the Chief Secretary to direct the relevant authorities to issue transfer orders only after consulting the Election Commission.