New Delhi: The Election Commission stopped the transfer of 18 officers, 12 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and six Assam Police Service (APS) officers on the ground that the orders were issued after the announcement of dates for the March-April state elections.
The announcement of election dates automatically ushers the model code of conduct for political parties and candidates and restricts provincial governments from announcing populist schemes. It also includes the transfer of bureaucrats and police officers.
The EC had announced the schedule of General Elections to Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry.
“It has come to the notice of Commission that Govt. of Assam has, on 26th February 2021, ordered the transfer of 12 IPS and 6 APS officers. The Commission has therefore decided to keep the transfer/posting of these police officers in abeyance till further orders,” the Election Commission said.
