Kerala assembly elections: ECI oversees transfer of key state officials

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the model code of conduct in force for the assembly elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has stepped in to directly oversee the transfer and posting of some of the key officials, ordering an immediate administrative reshuffle across the state.

In a communication to the chief secretary, ECI said it reviewed poll preparedness in the state anddirected the redeployment of IAS, IPS and KAS officers in crucial election-related positions. Acting on this directive, the chief secretary issued orders implementing the reappointments with immediate effect.




As per the Commission’s instructions, T Narayanan (DIG rank) has been posted as district police chief, Kozhikode city, while Thomson Jose has been appointed as DIG of Thrissur range. IAS officer Inbasekhar K has been assigned charge as district collector-cum-district election officer (DEO) of Alappuzha.

In Kannur district, Vandana S (KAS) has been posted as revenue divisional officer, Taliparamba, and returning officer for the Irikkur constituency, while Sachin Krishna (KAS) has been appointed as district registrar general, Kannur, and returning officer for Dharmadam constituency.

The Commission has directed that the reshuffle be implemented without delay and has sought a compliance report confirming that the officers have taken charge by 11am on March 18. It has also made it clear that officers transferred out as part of this exercise should not be assigned any election-related responsibilities until the completion of the electoral process.