Bihar Polls: EC assigns 470 central observers, 320 IAS officers

New Delhi: The Election Commission (ECI) has decided to deploy central observers (general, police, and expenditure) for the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar and by-elections in some states. The Commission has decided to appoint a total of 470 officers serving in various states as central observers. These officers include 320 officers from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), 60 officers from the Indian Police Service (IPS), and 90 officers from the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). Additionally, officers from services such as the IRAS and ICAS are also included. According to the Commission, these officers are being appointed for the upcoming assembly general elections in Bihar and by-elections in Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Telangana, Punjab, Mizoram, and Odisha. The Election Commission stated in a press note that central observers (general, police, and expenditure) will be deployed for the Bihar assembly elections and by-elections in some states. The Commission appoints Central Observers to monitor elections in constituencies under the powers conferred by Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Observers function under the Commission's supervision, control, and discipline from the time of their appointment until the completion of the election process. "Observers are the Commission's eyes and ears" "Observers shoulder the important and solemn responsibility of ensuring that elections are fair, impartial, and credible, which is the foundation of our democratic system. They are the Commission's eyes and ears and submit periodic reports. Observers assist the Commission in conducting free, fair, transparent, and inclusive elections, and also contribute to increasing voter awareness and participation." The primary objective of observers is to identify areas that need improvement and provide concrete suggestions. Based on their seniority and experience in administrative services, general and police observers assist the Commission in the fair conduct of elections and monitor the effective management of the electoral process at the field level. Expenditure observers monitor the election expenditure of candidates. Observers will be deployed for elections in these states. The press note further stated, "The Election Commission has decided to deploy 470 officers (320 IAS, 60 IPS, and 90 IRS/IRAS/ICAS, etc.) posted in various states as Central Observers for the Bihar Assembly elections and by-elections to be held in Jammu and Kashmir (Budgam and Nagrota), Rajasthan (Anta), Jharkhand (Ghatsila), Telangana (Jubilee Hills), Punjab (Tarn-Taran), Mizoram (Dampa), and Odisha (Nuapada)."