Haryana Election Official Clears Air on Recruitments, Transfers Amid Model Code of Conduct

In a significant clarification, Haryana's Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal has stated that recruitments through the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) and the Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC) can continue despite the model code of conduct being in place for the upcoming state assembly elections. 

Addressing a press conference, Agarwal explained that according to the instructions from the Election Commission of India (ECI), regular recruitment or appointments or promotions through statutory bodies like the HPSC and HSSC can proceed without any hindrance. However, he added that recruitments through non-statutory bodies would require prior clearance from the ECI. 

Regarding the recent transfer of government officials, Agarwal clarified that permission from the ECI was obtained for the transfer of 86 IAS and HCS (Haryana Civil Services) officers. He noted that the transfer of IPS (Indian Police Service) officers had been carried out before the announcement of the elections. 

The Chief Electoral Officer also provided an overview of the state's voter demographics, stating that Haryana has a total of 2.03 crore registered voters, including 2.43 lakh above the age of 85 and 9,554 centenarians. The state has 1.07 crore male voters and 95.03 lakh female voters, along with 1.04 lakh male and 4,748 female service voters. Additionally, there are 4.83 lakh voters in the 18-19 age group and 41.52 lakh in the 20-29 age bracket.

Addressing the issue of the ongoing "poster war" between the Congress and the BJP, Agarwal stated that the authorities would look into the matter and take appropriate action.  Agarwal also revealed that Haryana had requested 225 companies of Central forces for the elections, and 70 of them had already been allotted to the state.

The Chief Electoral Officer's clarifications and insights come at a crucial time, as Haryana gears up for the upcoming state assembly elections. His assurances regarding the continuity of statutory recruitments and the details on administrative transfers and security arrangements are likely to provide much-needed clarity to the stakeholders involved in the electoral process. Synopsis: