Has the ECI Increased Pay for Polling and Counting Personnel?
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Synopsis
The Election Commission of India has made a notable revision in the remuneration for polling and counting personnel. This increase is aimed at ensuring fair compensation for the crucial roles these officials play during elections. With higher daily rates and lump sums, the ECI is recognizing the hard work of those who facilitate the electoral process.
Key Takeaways
- Increased pay for presiding officers and polling staff.
- New rates include Rs 500 per day for Presiding Officers.
- Counting Assistants now earn Rs 450 per day.
- CAPF Gazetted Officers receive Rs 4,000 for short deployments.
- Packed lunches and refreshments are provided at Rs 500 per day.
New Delhi, Aug 8 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made significant changes to the remuneration structure for presiding officers, polling officers, counting personnel, and other officials engaged in the electoral process.
Under the newly established rates, a Presiding Officer or Counting Supervisor, who previously earned Rs 350 per day (or part thereof), will now receive Rs 500 per day or a total sum of Rs 2,000.
Polling Officers, who were compensated Rs 250 per day, will now earn Rs 400 per day or Rs 1,600 as a lump sum.
The pay for Counting Assistants has been increased to Rs 450 per day or Rs 1,350 lump sum, an increase from the previous Rs 250.
The remuneration for Deputy District Election Officers (Dy DEOs) has also been adjusted, with a minimum payment equivalent to one month's basic salary of the relevant officer.
For CAPF Gazetted Officers—including Commandants, Ad hoc Commandants, Deputy Commandants, Assistant Commandants, Medical Officers, and similar ranks—the fee has been set at Rs 4,000 for up to 15 days or Rs 2,000 per week for longer deployments.
In addition, the compensation for subordinate staff within the CAPFs has been increased accordingly.
Sector Officers and other personnel involved in the polling process will also benefit from enhanced honorarium rates.
Furthermore, the ECI has allocated Rs 500 per day for packed lunches and light refreshments for polling personnel, police forces, mobile teams, Home Guards, Forest Guards, Gram Rakshak Dal members, NCC cadets, ex-servicemen, and volunteers stationed at polling locations and counting centers.
In its statement, the ECI remarked, “The conduct of elections encompasses a variety of activities executed by a workforce comprised of officials and staff requisitioned from diverse departments of the Central Government, State Governments, PSUs, Local Authorities, etc.”
It emphasized, “During election periods, this entire apparatus undertakes demanding and sensitive tasks, frequently working extended hours for months to create an environment where electors can freely exercise their voting rights. To guarantee appropriate compensation for these efforts, the Commission has restructured the remuneration/honorarium rates.”
The previous major update to election duty compensation occurred between 2014 and 2016.
Point of View
It is important to recognize the Election Commission's efforts to enhance remuneration for election personnel. This move not only acknowledges the hard work of officials but also reinforces the integrity of the electoral process. By providing adequate compensation, the ECI is ensuring that those involved in upholding democracy are valued, which is essential for maintaining public trust.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What changes have been made to the remuneration for polling personnel?
The Election Commission has increased the daily rates for presiding officers, polling officers, and counting personnel, with new payments ranging from Rs 400 to Rs 500 per day.
How much are Counting Assistants being paid now?
Counting Assistants will now receive Rs 450 per day or Rs 1,350 as a lump sum, an increase from their previous earnings.
What is the new compensation for CAPF Gazetted Officers?
CAPF Gazetted Officers will earn Rs 4,000 for up to 15 days of service, or Rs 2,000 per week for deployments that exceed 15 days.
Why is the ECI revising the remuneration rates?
The revisions are aimed at ensuring fair compensation for the extensive work and long hours that officials put in during the election period.
When was the last major revision of election duty remuneration?
The last significant revision occurred between 2014 and 2016.
