Election Commission directs 16 officers to report on October 16 and 15 more on October 19; enhanced supervision to guarantee impartial and secure elections in Bihar.
As Bihar gears up for its 2025 Assembly Elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has deputed 31 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers from the Uttar Pradesh cadre to act as election observers. Their mandate is to oversee the electoral process and uphold the principles of fairness, transparency, and integrity throughout the polls.
First Batch of 16 Officers to Join on October 16
For the first phase of elections, the ECI has directed 16 IAS officers to take charge across various districts and constituencies in Bihar. They are to report for duty on October 16.
Their key responsibilities include ensuring smooth polling operations, maintaining law and order, enforcing the Model Code of Conduct, preventing malpractices, and promptly submitting reports to the Election Commission regarding any irregularities or violations.
Those designated for the first phase include Ajay Kumar Shukla, Balkar Singh, Chaitra V, Om Prakash, Selva Kumari J, Amit Singh Bansal, Bhanu Chandra Goswami, Pranjal Yadav, Uday Bhanu Tripathi, Anamika Singh, Bhawani Singh Khangarot, Gauri Shankar Priyadarshi, G.S. Naveen Kumar, and Raj Shekhar, among others.
Second Batch of 15 Officers to Arrive on October 19
A second team of 15 IAS officers from Uttar Pradesh will join later to supervise the second phase of elections, reporting on October 19. Like the first group, they will be responsible for monitoring polling stations, verifying arrangements, ensuring voter safety, and overseeing the implementation of ECI’s rules.
The first phase of voting is scheduled for November 6, followed by the second phase on November 11.
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Observers’ Role in Safeguarding Election Integrity
Election observers serve as the eyes and ears of the Election Commission, tasked with ensuring that polls are conducted freely, lawfully, and without bias. They monitor campaign expenditures, assess administrative preparedness, and investigate complaints from voters and candidates.
Deploying officers from outside the state is a standard ECI protocol meant to uphold neutrality and prevent any local interference in the electoral process.
Central Schemes to Be Linked with SNA SPARSH System
In a related governance move, the Government of India has announced that, beginning November 1, all 66 Centrally Sponsored Schemes will operate exclusively through the SNA SPARSH digital platform. Ministries and departments that fail to integrate by October 31 will not receive central funds thereafter.
The Finance Department has instructed all state departments to coordinate with their respective central ministries to ensure timely onboarding. Non-compliance, officials warned, could delay or disrupt the execution of welfare and development projects.
ECI Strengthens Oversight for Bihar Polls
The induction of IAS officers from Uttar Pradesh underscores the Election Commission’s determination to conduct impartial and credible elections in Bihar. With strict supervision, transparent digital fund management, and increased accountability, the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections are expected to take place under stringent administrative vigilance and legal safeguards.
