Following the recent conclusion of state assembly elections in Rajasthan and other states, preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections are in progress. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has implemented a freeze on the transfers of officials and employees involved in election-related duties across these states. State governments are instructed to seek permission from the Chief Electoral Officer for transfers of officers like Booth Level Officers (BLO), Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AERO), and District Electoral Officers (DEO) if required.
In Rajasthan, the revision of the voter list has commenced since December 20. Officials and employees actively involved in election-related work over the past 6-7 months are participating in this task. Recognizing the importance of completing the voter list without disruption, the Election Commission has suspended the transfers of all officers from BLOs to DEOs.
The Election Commission has directed Chief Electoral Officers to promptly prepare a list of vacant positions for any election-related officer or employee at the assembly or district level. If the transfer of a Rajasthan Administrative Service or Indian Administrative Service-level officer associated with the election is necessary, reasons must be communicated through the state’s Chief Electoral Officer to the Election Commission.
In a letter to all Chief Secretaries, the Election Commission mandates that if any DEO, Assistant DEO, or Returning Officer holding a position at the Rajasthan Administrative Service or Indian Administrative Service level is to be transferred, the reasons for the transfer must be conveyed. These reasons will then be sent to the Election Commission through the state’s Chief Electoral Officer for approval. For transfers below this level, such as BLOs or other employees, permission must be obtained from the state’s Chief Electoral Officer.
The state Election Commission is actively compiling the voter list, with the process set to continue until January 4. The draft list is scheduled for release on January 6, and the Election Commission will subsequently address objections and claims from the public until February 2. The final voter list is expected to be published by the Commission on February 8.
