Archive · 30 Jan 2026
Bengal govt defends IAS transfers amid EC concerns
The West Bengal government has explained to the Election Commission that it transferred three IAS officers involved in updating voter lists because they had too much work.
The officers were responsible for different districts in the state.
The Election Commission was not happy because the government did not ask for permission before transferring the officers, which is against the rules.
The government said the transfers were needed to make things run more smoothly.
The Commission asked the state to cancel the transfers and get approval in the future.
West Bengal government transferred three IAS officers involved in the SIR of electoral rolls.
The transfers were justified as necessary to reduce workload and ensure administrative efficiency.
The Election Commission sought an explanation, citing violation of guidelines requiring prior approval for transfers.
The Commission asked the state to withdraw the transfer notifications and seek approval for future transfers.
The state government maintained that the transfers were administrative and requested the Commission's approval.
- Who
- West Bengal government and Election Commission of India
- What
- Transfer of three IAS officers involved in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls
- When
- Transfers occurred in December and January, clarification given on January 29
- Where
- West Bengal, India
- Why
- To reduce workload and ensure smooth administration, according to the state government
- Officers Transferred
- Ashwini Kumar Yadav, Randhir Kumar, Smita Pandey
- Districts Affected
- Uttar and Dakshin Dinajpur, North 24 Parganas and Kolkata North, East and West Burdwan, and Birbhum
- Reason for Transfer
- Excessive workload and administrative efficiency
- EC's Concern
- Violation of SIR guidelines by transferring officers without approval
- EC's Request
- Withdrawal of transfer notifications and prior approval for transfers
Sources
Ahead of Assembly polls, Malda turns into political battleground
TMC alleges ECI added 32 lakh ‘unmapped’ cases to LD list to confuse voters
Mamata Banerjee-led TMC delegation to meet Chief Election Commissioner on February 2 - Telegraph India
Why ECI’s rare move to name Bengal home secretary as an observer may lead to another standoff
Bengal govt tells EC that IAS officers involved in SIR work transferred due to ‘excessive workload’
Bengal Home Secy in EC’s list of central observers, Mamata govt tells EC to revise
