The Election Commission of India on Tuesday issued new transfer guidelines for election officials in Uttar Pradesh, targeting those who have spent at least three years in the same district over the past four years, effective through 31 May 2027.
Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa explained that the directive aims to prevent potential bias by moving officials out of districts where they may have established personal ties.
The policy covers a broad range of positions, from electoral registration officers to sub‑divisional magistrates, joint magistrates, tehsildars, district election officers, returning officers, and their assistants. It also extends to police sub‑inspectors and higher ranks, as well as officers in the Excise and Transport departments.
The commission has asked the chief secretary and the director general of police to submit a consolidated compliance report by 30 November 2027, detailing the transfers enacted under the new guidelines.
In Lucknow, a former polling officer, Deepak Sharma, said the reshuffle will keep local voters from feeling that officials favour one side.
The Election Commission will review the report and determine whether further action is required, while political parties in UP are already preparing to adapt to the changes.