Maharashtra’s Chief Secretary Finally Submits Compliance Report to ECI Following Extended Delays
Maharashtra's Chief Secretary Finally Submits Compliance Report to ECI Following Extended Delays"
Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik submitted a compliance report to the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday, addressing the directive to transfer officers who have completed three years in a district. The ECI had originally issued instructions on July 31, seeking a report by August 20. However, when no report was submitted by the deadline, the ECI sent a fresh letter on September 27, questioning the delay despite multiple reminders.
During his two-day visit to Mumbai on Saturday, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar reiterated the need for the immediate transfer of officers who had served in one district for over three years, in preparation for the upcoming assembly elections.
The ECI’s September 27 letter referenced the original July 31 directive, which had instructed the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP) to provide a compliance report by August 20. The letter also highlighted that reminders were sent on August 22, September 11, and September 25, yet no report had been received.
A letter from the Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra, dated September 25, included a communication from the Additional DGP on September 13, indicating partial compliance with the ECI’s instructions. The ECI’s letter also sought an explanation for the continued delay in submitting the compliance report despite the extended timeline and repeated reminders.
The transfers are part of the Election Commission’s standard procedure ahead of elections to ensure neutrality and prevent officers from forming entrenched local connections that could influence the electoral process.
