Patna, Sep 25 (NationPress) As the Bihar Assembly elections approach, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has ramped up preparations and issued stringent orders to the state administration to guarantee a fair and unbiased electoral process. In a significant directive, the Commission has mandated the transfer of officers and employees engaged in election-related duties, with a deadline set for completion by October 6.

This directive encompasses all government departments, suggesting that the official announcement for the elections may be forthcoming shortly after the October 6 deadline.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Vinod Singh Gunjiyal has dispatched formal letters to the Chief Secretary, DGP, and all Additional Chief Secretaries across various departments, instructing that transfer and posting reports be finalized by October 6.

The guidelines stipulate that no officer or employee will be permitted to remain in their home district, with any officer or employee who has served for three years or more in the same district by November 30 facing mandatory transfers.

This order extends beyond personnel directly involved in elections, including Block Development Officers (BDOs), Tehsildars, District-level Additional Collectors, Divisional Commissioners, Municipal Commissioners, and other administrative staff.

It also applies to the police force, affecting officials from the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) level down to Inspectors.

However, those involved in computerization, the special branch, and training have been granted exemptions.

Officers from the Excise and Prohibition Department who have been in the same posting for over three years will also be subject to mandatory transfers.

Election Commission officials have highlighted that these transfers aim to diminish local influence, avert biased activities, and reinforce public trust in the electoral process.

"The rotation of officers and preventing them from serving in their home districts ensures neutrality and mitigates the risk of manipulation during polling," stated an election official familiar with the directive.

The timing of this order implies that the Assembly election schedule could be announced immediately after the transfer process concludes, paving the way for a competitive political battle in Bihar.

Political analysts emphasize that such measures are essential for creating a level playing field ahead of what is anticipated to be one of Bihar’s most closely monitored elections in recent years.