Local body polls in Kerala: State Election Commission imposes restrictions on transfers

The State Election Commission has directed the Chief Secretary and the heads of all government departments, local self-government institutions, educational institutions and other authorities not to transfer any officers and staff under them or under their control till the completion of the processes related to the local body elections.

In those cases where transfer of an officer is inevitable on account of administrative exigency, the government or the head of the offices or departments may with “full justification” approach the State Election Commission or the District Election Officer for clearance, the commission said in an order on Friday.

The transfer restrictions have come into effect from October 3, the commission said. The transfer ban is necessary since “expeditious and time-bound” preparations are being made for the conduct of elections, the commission said. For the preparation of the list of officers and staff to be drafted for duties in connection with the election, the ban is necessary, it said.