Guwahati: The Election Commission of India has ordered the transfer and fresh postings of five Indian Police Service officers in Assam as part of preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections.
In a directive issued on Monday to the state’s Chief Secretary, the Commission asked the government to immediately implement the transfers following a review of election preparedness in the state.
The move is aimed at ensuring a neutral administrative environment ahead of the polls.
Under the order, Somalin Shubhdarshini (2019 batch) has been posted as Superintendent of Police of Majuli district, while R. Sheetal Kumar (2020 batch) will serve as SP of South Salmara district.
Anchal Chauhan (2020 batch) has been assigned as SP of Sadiya.
Similarly, Sudhakar Singh (2013 batch) has been transferred and posted as SP of Chirang district, while Mohan Lal Meena (2016 batch) will take charge as SP of Dhemaji district.
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The Commission has instructed the state government to ensure that the transfers take effect immediately and to submit a compliance report confirming that the officers have joined their new postings by 11 am on March 17.
It also directed that officers who have been moved out should not be assigned any election-related duties until the completion of the polling process.
The directive forms part of the Commission’s routine measures during elections to maintain administrative neutrality and prevent any possible conflict of interest.
Polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies in Assam will be held in a single phase on April 9, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4.
The Election Commission has also been issuing administrative guidelines and deploying observers to oversee the electoral process and ensure transparency during the polls.
