Just days ahead of announcing the election date for the Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission of India has modified its existing policy of transfers of officers “to ensure that officials are not able to disturb the level playing field in the elections.”

Through a press note issued on Saturday, the EC has directed State governments to ensure that officers who are transferred out of the district are not posted within the same Parliamentary Constituency. The new order is in exception for the States/UTs that comprise up to two Parliamentary Constituencies.

“It has been reiterated that the transfer policy of the Commission must be adhered to in both letter and spirit and not just being camouflaged to show compliance,” EC stated.

The Commission informed that the new rule will apply retrospectively to transfers and postings that have already been implemented in accordance with the Commission’s prior instructions.

According to the ECI Policy, all the officers who were either posted in their home district or have completed three years at a place have been directed to be transferred. This includes officers who are in any way connected to the election work either directly or in supervisory capacity.

The EC reminded of its Zero Tolerance policy against disturbing the level playing field in the elections.