Early Times Report
JAMMU, Oct 29: In violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), 32 tehsildars remained posted in their native tehsil during the recently concluded urban local bodies (ULB) polls.
Sources informed Early Times that the Revenue department issued transfer orders of 32 Tehsildars on September 28, but the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) kept all the transfers in abeyance, citing MCC
"Most of the transferees were natives of the tehsil they were posted. As per rules they cannot serve in their native place at the time when MCC is in force", said a senior officer, adding, however, later on 12 out of the 32 Tehsildars were shifted with permission from CEO.
"As per guidelines from Election Commission of India (ECI) and as per directions from CEO J&K, all officers who are related with conduct of ULB elections were to be transferred from if they were posted in their home tehsils. In this regard the Revenue department prepared list of 32 Tehsildars who were posted in their home tehsils for transfer, and issued transfer orders. Though it was issued as per guidelines from CEO, same was rescinded by CEO", sources added.
They said that consequent upon the approach of CEO, history was created as since India got freedom, it was first time that ULB polls were conducted by Tehsildars who were posted in their home tehsils.
"The list of remaining 20 officers is pending for approval before CEO, but it will likely meet the same fate as that of the previous list that was submitted for ULB elections for approval, as Panchyat polls are going to commence on November 17", sources added.
They said that similar rules are for Panchayat election, and the Revenue department has again submitted a list of tehsildars to the CEO for approval for all those Tehsildars who are posted in home tehsils. But the file is still pending in the office of CEO for his approval. |
