Uttar Pradesh panchayat polls: State Election Commission questions mass transfer

LUCKNOW: UP State Election Commission (SEC) today sought an explanation from the state government over mass transfer of IAS, IPS, PCS and PPS officers and asked if the reshuffle was done after the poll code came into effect following notification for panchayat polls.

"Separate letters have been written to home and appointment departments to clarify whether transfers were done after model code of conduct came into effect," Additional State Election Commissioner J P Singh told PTI.

On Sunday night, the UP government transferred 23 IAS and 42 IPS officers, including Chief Executive Officer of Greater Noida Rama Raman, who was replaced by Secretary (Higher Education) Anil Garg.

The government had last night issued a list of 12 IAS, 10 PCS and 21 IPS officers, which included SPs of nine districts. The list was dated September 21.

However, the governent yesterday issued a list dated September 21 saying Garg has been shifted as CEO, Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority.

Singh said it has come to the notice of the SEC that IAS, IPS, PCS and PPS officers were transferred after the notification for panchayat polls was issued on Monday.

"It has been directed that once the notification is issued and model code of conduct comes into effect immediately, no official or staff related to poll duty will be transferred," he said.

Singh said as per the rules, if under unavoidable circumstances any transfer was required, it should be done only after taking permission from the SEC.

"The two departments have been asked to explain that if transfers were done after model code of conduct came into effect, why such a move was taken," he said.

He said the two departments have been asked to clarify the position within two days.