Odisha Govt Freezes Transfer of Election Officials Ahead of SIR

Bhubaneswar, May 28: In a major administrative move ahead of the nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls scheduled from July 1, the Odisha government has imposed a ban on the transfer and posting of officials engaged in election-related duties without prior approval from the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The directive was issued on Wednesday by Chief Secretary Anu Garg through an official note circulated to all departments following instructions from the ECI, underscoring the importance of ensuring a smooth and time-bound revision of voter lists across the State.

Under the order, key election functionaries including District Election Officers (DEOs), Collectors, Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), Booth Level Officer (BLO) Supervisors and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) cannot be transferred during the preparatory phase of the SIR exercise unless clearance is obtained from the Election Commission through the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Odisha.

The state government has also directed departments to immediately fill all vacant posts linked to electoral roll management to prevent disruptions in the revision process. Vacancies in the positions of EROs, AEROs, BLO Supervisors and BLOs have been ordered to be filled on priority.

The Special Intensive Revision is considered one of the most critical pre-election exercises undertaken by the Election Commission to update, verify and streamline electoral rolls before major elections. The process involves large-scale field verification, correction of voter data and inclusion or deletion of names based on eligibility.

Officials involved in the revision programme are expected to require extensive logistical and manpower support during the exercise. In this context, the Chief Secretary has instructed all departments to ensure adequate human resources and administrative assistance for election-related officers.

In another important decision aimed at improving accountability and efficiency, the government has barred the practice of assigning multiple ERO or AERO responsibilities to a single officer.

“Any vacant position of ERO/AERO/BLO Supervisor/BLO shall be filled immediately. No transfer or posting of existing DEOs and Collectors, DEO and Commissioner, BMC, EROs, AEROs, Deputy Collectors (Elections), BLO Supervisors and BLOs involved in SIR preparatory activities may be effected without prior clearance from the Election Commission of India through the Chief Electoral Officer, Odisha,” the note stated.

The move is being seen as a significant step to strengthen the electoral machinery in Odisha ahead of the intensive voter list revision process and ensure transparency, accuracy and timely completion of the exercise across all districts.