In a major move to ensure the smooth conduct of the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections in Assam and other poll-bound states, the Election Commission (EC) has initiated specialized training for administrative observers. As part of this national exercise, over 25 senior IAS officers from the Madhya Pradesh cadre have been summoned to New Delhi for a comprehensive briefing.
This deployment marks a significant shift in protocol, as the list of officers was finalized directly by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), emphasizing the EC’s independent control over poll management.
List of Key Officers Attending the Training
The training includes high-ranking officials who currently head several critical departments in Madhya Pradesh. Here are the prominent names:
Name of Officer Current Designation
Deepak Saxena Commissioner, Public Relations
Manish Singh Secretary, Transport
Nishant Warwade Secretary, Agriculture
Lokesh Jatav Secretary, Finance
Rajiv Ranjan Meena Director, Finance
Bhaskar Lakshakar Commissioner, Treasury
Rohit Singh Additional Secretary, Finance
Shriman Shukla Secretary, Planning and Statistics
Swatantra Kumar Singh Secretary, Fisheries Welfare
Buddhesh Vaidya Secretary, Board of Secondary Education
Key Highlights of the EC Training
Strategic Briefing: The session in Delhi focuses on election monitoring, strict implementation of the Model Code of Conduct, and reporting mechanisms.
Assigned Roles: These officers will serve as Central Observers, acting as the “eyes and ears” of the Election Commission in sensitive constituencies.
Focus States: While the officers are from Madhya Pradesh, they will be deployed to Assam and other states where assembly terms are nearing completion.
Impact on Madhya Pradesh Administration
The absence of these 25 senior officers has necessitated a temporary internal reshuffle within the Madhya Pradesh state government.
Request for Exemption: The State Government had previously requested the EC to exempt officers in “key positions” (particularly in Finance and Agriculture) to avoid administrative stagnation.
EC’s Stance: The Election Commission maintained that for the sanctity of the electoral process, experienced administrators are essential, regardless of their current state duties.
Workload Adjustment: Departments like Finance and Transport have been asked to distribute responsibilities among remaining senior staff to ensure that public services and ongoing projects remain unaffected.
