New Delhi: The Election Commission (ECI) has decided to deploy Central Observers (General, Police, and Expenditure) for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections and by-elections in some states. The Commission has decided to appoint a total of 470 officers serving in various states as Central Observers. These officers include 320 officers from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), 60 officers from the Indian Police Service (IPS), and 90 officers from the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). Additionally, officers from services such as the IRAS and ICAS are also included.
According to the Commission, these officers are being appointed for the upcoming Bihar Assembly General Elections and by-elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Telangana, Punjab, Mizoram, and Odisha. In a press note, the Election Commission stated that Central Observers (General, Police, and Expenditure) will be deployed for the Bihar Assembly elections and by-elections in some states. The Commission, under the powers conferred by Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, appoints Central Observers to monitor elections in constituencies. Observers function under the Commission’s supervision, control, and discipline from the time of their appointment until the completion of the election process. Observers bear the important and solemn responsibility of ensuring fair, impartial, and credible elections, which is the foundation of our democratic system. They serve as the Commission’s eyes and ears and submit periodic reports. Observers assist the Commission in conducting free, fair, transparent, and inclusive elections, and also contribute to increasing voter awareness and participation.
The primary objective of observers is to identify areas requiring improvement and provide concrete suggestions. Based on their seniority and experience in administrative services, General and Police Observers assist the Commission in the fair conduct of elections and monitor the effective management of the electoral process at the field level. Expenditure Observers monitor the election expenditure of candidates. The press note issued further said, the Election Commission has decided to deploy 470 officers posted in various states as Central Observers for the Bihar Assembly elections and by-elections to be held in Jammu and Kashmir (Budgam and Nagrota), Rajasthan (Anta), Jharkhand (Ghatsila), Telangana (Jubilee Hills), Punjab (Tarn Taran), Mizoram (Dampa) and Odisha (Nuapada).
