J&K exempted from ECI’s new transfer policy

JAMMU, Feb 27: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has exempted Jammu and Kashmir, along with other States and Union Territories (UTs), having up to five Parliamentary Constituencies, from its new transfer policy.

Under the new transfer policy notified on February 23, 2024, the Commission had directed the State and UT Governments to ensure that officers who are transferred out of the district after completing three years are not posted in another district within the same Parliamentary Constituency.

The Commission had further directed that the States and UTs comprising up to two Parliamentary Constituencies were exempted from this rule.

But in another letter issued to the Chief Secretaries and the Chief Electoral Officers of the States/UTs, today, the Commission has further clarified that the States/UTs with up to 5 Parliamentary Constituencies shall be exempted from the Commission’s instructions issued on February 23, 2024. Pertinently, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir also comprises of 5 Lok Sabha Constituencies.

“The States/UTs with up to 5 Parliamentary Constituencies shall be exempted from the Commission’s instruction dated February 23, 2024,” read a letter issued by Narendra N Butolia, Senior Principal Secretary, Election Commission of India.

The Commission has further clarified that all the DEOs, Deputy DEOs, RO, AROs, and Range ADGs, IGs, DIGs, SSPs, SPs, Additional SPs, Deputy SPs, Circle Officers (or equivalent rank police officers) shall be posted out if they are completing three years during the last 4 years in the same Parliamentary Constituency or districts.

“Thus, the Commission’s instructions dated February 23, 2024 would be applicable only on the above officers. Moreover, it shall be ensured that ROs and AROs are not posted in the Parliamentary Constituency which is comprised of their Home District,” clarified the Commission.

The Commission has asked the Chief Secretaries and the DGPs of the concerned States/UTs to send the compliance report in the matter immediately.