Lucknow/Patna: In preparation for the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has appointed 31 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers from Uttar Pradesh cadre as election observers. These officers have been directed to report to Bihar to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.
16 IAS Officers to Report on October 16
For the first phase of polling, a group of 16 IAS officers has been assigned to various constituencies across Bihar. These officers will report to their respective posts on October 16. Their responsibilities include overseeing the polling process, ensuring voter safety, monitoring adherence to the Model Code of Conduct, and reporting any irregularities to the Election Commission.
The officers appointed as observers for the first phase include Ajay Kumar Shukla, Balkar Singh, Chaitra V, Om Prakash, Selva Kumari J, Amit Singh Bansal, Bhanu Chandra Goswami, Pranjal Yadav, Uday Bhanu Tripathi, Anamika Singh, Bhawani Singh Khangarot, Gauri Shankar Priyadarshi, G.S. Naveen Kumar, and Raj Shekhar.
15 More IAS Officers for Second Phase
In addition to the first batch, another 15 IAS officers from Uttar Pradesh will be sent to Bihar for the second phase of polling. This group is required to report on October 19. Like the first team, they will supervise polling stations, monitor electoral rolls, assess polling arrangements, and ensure a smooth voting process.
The first phase of voting will be held on November 6, while the second phase is scheduled for November 11.
Role of Observers in Ensuring Free and Fair Elections
Election observers play a crucial role in ensuring that elections are conducted fairly and in accordance with the law. These officers will keep close watch on political activities, expenditure by candidates and parties, and address complaints raised by voters. They are also responsible for ensuring compliance with the Election Commission’s guidelines.
Bringing in officers from outside the state is a common practice by the ECI to ensure neutrality and prevent any local influence during elections.
SNA SPARSH System to Be Mandatory for Central Schemes
Meanwhile, the Government of India has announced that from November 1, the funds for all 66 centrally sponsored schemes will be released only through the digital SNA SPARSH system. Departments that fail to integrate with this system will not receive central funds for their schemes after October 31.
The Finance Department has directed all administrative departments to coordinate with the respective ministries to ensure timely approval and compliance, warning that failure to do so may negatively impact the implementation of central schemes.
The deployment of IAS officers from Uttar Pradesh as observers reflects the Election Commission’s commitment to ensuring free and fair elections in Bihar. With strict monitoring, enhanced digital systems for fund flow, and transparent electoral mechanisms, the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 are set to be conducted under tight administrative and legal scrutiny.
