State Election Commission Halts Officer Transfers Ahead of Panchayat Elections

Under the new guidelines, the Commission mandates that all officers currently stationed in their home districts must be removed from their posts by February 28, 2026. This applies to a wide range of officials, including Collectors, Additional District Magistrates (ADMs), Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), municipal body officials, station house officers (SHOs), and other government staff involved in election-related duties.

Additionally, any officer who has served in one location for more than three years by April 30, 2026, will also be transferred. This move is intended to minimize the possibility of local bias and ensure impartiality during the election process. The Commission’s orders will be in effect from the announcement of the election schedule until the completion of the elections.

To facilitate the process, the Election Commission has set a deadline for government departments to complete all necessary transfers by February 28. If any officer remains in violation of this rule after the deadline, action will be taken to transfer them from their current post.

One of the most significant provisions of the order concerns officers involved in the preparation of the voter list. The Commission has explicitly stated that no transfers can occur for officers working on voter list preparations—including SDMs, Tehsildars, and Naib Tehsildars—without prior approval from the Election Commission. This measure is to ensure that voter registration and list updates are carried out smoothly and without disruption.

“The goal of these directives is to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, preventing any undue influence during the critical period leading up to the elections,” said an official from the State Election Commission.

The move comes as part of the Commission’s broader efforts to improve the electoral process and maintain the integrity of elections in Rajasthan. By adhering to these regulations, the Commission hopes to minimize electoral malpractice and uphold public confidence in the democratic process.