Election Commission Stops Army Officer’s Appointment in J&K Police During Elections
The Election Commission of India has suspended the appointment of Colonel Vikrant Prasher from the Indian Army as SSP (Training) and Special (Ops) in Jammu and Kashmir Police. The Commission has asked the Jammu and Kashmir administration to explain why the order was issued without prior approval while the Model Code of Conduct is in effect.
The poll body requested the Chief Secretary to submit a compliance report by October 1, along with an explanation for issuing the order without the Commission’s prior consent.
The order from the Election Commission of India’s Secretariat, issued on September 30, stated: “The Commission has observed that the Model Code of Conduct is in effect in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, and as such, there is a ban on the transfer of officers connected to the election. Without delving into the rationale, process, and urgency of appointing an Army officer as SSP on the civil side during the MCC, the Commission hereby directs that the order be kept in abeyance with immediate effect. If the order has been executed, the situation prior to the issuance of the order shall be restored immediately.”
Furthermore, the Chief Secretary is required to send the compliance report by 11:00 AM on October 1, along with an explanation for the issuance of such an order without the Commission’s approval.
This development comes ahead of the third and final phase of polling in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir scheduled for October 1. The counting of votes will take place on October 8.
Doubts Revealed
Election Commission of India -: The Election Commission of India is a government body that makes sure elections in India are fair and follow the rules.
Colonel Vikrant Prasher -: Colonel Vikrant Prasher is an officer in the Indian Army. He was supposed to take a new job in the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
SSP (Training) and Special (Ops) -: SSP stands for Senior Superintendent of Police. ‘Training’ means teaching police officers new skills, and ‘Special (Ops)’ means special operations, which are important missions.
J&K Police -: J&K Police is the police force in Jammu and Kashmir, a region in India.
Model Code of Conduct -: The Model Code of Conduct is a set of rules that political parties and candidates must follow during elections to keep things fair.
Chief Secretary -: The Chief Secretary is the top government official in a state or region, like the boss of all other officials.
compliance report -: A compliance report is a document that shows whether rules and orders are being followed.
polling -: Polling means the process of voting in an election.
vote counting -: Vote counting is the process of adding up all the votes to see who won the election.
