At present, the ECI team, headed by Chief Election Commissioner of India Rajiv Kumar, is in Mumbai [Maharashtra] to assess the election readiness in the state where elections are scheduled.
At present, the ECI team, headed by Chief Election Commissioner of India Rajiv Kumar, is in Mumbai [Maharashtra] to assess the election readiness in the state where elections are scheduled.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) sent a letter to the state Chief Secretary (CS) in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra, asking for an explanation about more than 100 inspector-level officers and revenue officials in key positions who have not been transferred as mandated. Maharashtra’s Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik mentioned that the report would be submitted by Monday. A report on compliance needs to be submitted by Monday. “She mentioned that certain departments issued orders on Thursday.”

The Commission’s letter required the CS and DGP of Maharashtra to explain their failure to completely follow its orders on transferring officials before the upcoming assembly elections.

The ECI directive on July 31 ordered the transfer of officials who have been working in their home district or current posting for more than three years, but the state administration has not finished the task. The letter included Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, and Jharkhand. The officials have been relocated as needed by the remaining two states and the Union territory that responded. Yet, Maharashtra has not done so to this day.

According to the EC’s instructions, the compliance report was expected by August. Even though the Additional DGP turned in a incomplete report, the Chief Secretary still has not given a complete answer.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar voiced his frustration on Friday about the state administration’s lack of cooperation, noting that the delay hampers the goal of a transparent electoral process. The EC has clearly stated that any more lack of action will not be accepted.

The electoral commission stated in the letter that the deadline for submitting the report was August 20. Subsequent reminders were sent on August 22, September 11, and September 25, requesting urgent submission of the reports.

It was also mentioned that the Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra forwarded a letter from the Additional DGP on September 25, concerning the incomplete implementation of the Commission’s guidelines, as outlined in a letter dated September 13. It was further stated that the Commission has not yet received any report from the Chief Secretary up to now.

The Commission has instructed

The instructions in the letter dated July 31 must be followed promptly and reports must be sent to the Commission. Additionally, the Commission has instructed the Chief Secretary and DGP to clarify why the compliance reports have not been provided even though the deadline has passed and reminders have been issued.

The voting process is happening in Jammu and Kashmir, and the Election Commission of India has made a visit to Jharkhand. At present, Kumar is leading the ECI team in Mumbai to assess the election readiness in the state with upcoming elections.