Why Have 15 Rajasthan IAS and 3 IPS Officers Been Appointed as Observers for Bihar Polls?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 15 IAS and 3 IPS officers from Rajasthan appointed as Central Observers.
- Role includes ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.
- Observers must be well-versed in election laws and guidelines.
- Appointment underscores commitment to democratic integrity.
- Observers are crucial for maintaining voter confidence.
Jaipur, Oct 3 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) has designated 15 IAS and 3 IPS officers from Rajasthan as Central Observers for the forthcoming Bihar Legislative Assembly election and various by-elections across multiple states.
These senior officials will be pivotal in ensuring the execution of free, fair, and transparent elections, serving as the Commission’s vigilant representatives on the ground.
On Friday, the ECI conducted an extensive briefing at the 'India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), New Delhi, which saw participation from 425 officers, including 287 IAS, 58 IPS, and 80 IRS/IRAS/ICAS officers.
The objective of the briefing was to equip the Central Observers with the necessary knowledge regarding their constitutional duties throughout the electoral process.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, addressed the assembly.
CEC Kumar described the observers as “beacons of democracy”, emphasizing their duty to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
He urged them to be well-informed about election laws and guidelines, maintain neutrality, and ensure strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct.
Furthermore, the CEC stressed that observers must remain readily accessible to political parties, candidates, and voters, facilitating immediate resolution of any grievances. They were also instructed to visit polling stations and oversee the implementation of recent ECI measures aimed at enhancing voter convenience and accessibility.
Observers are appointed under the plenary powers granted to the Commission by Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Their responsibilities encompass supervising law and order, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring efficiency in the electoral machinery at grassroots.
The Election Commission reiterated that observers carry the essential duty of reinforcing transparency, accountability, and voter confidence.
With Bihar approaching significant assembly elections, the appointment of seasoned officers—including those from Rajasthan—highlights the Commission’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of democratic practices.