New Delhi: The Election Commission of India has started preparations for the upcoming assembly elections and has sent a detailed letter to department secretaries with instructions on how to appoint officials for election duties.

In the letter, the commission asked departments to ensure that only suitable and neutral officers are chosen for key election roles such as returning officers and assistant returning officers. The aim is to conduct the elections in a fair and transparent manner.

According to the guidelines, officials should not be posted for election duty in their home districts. Officers who have worked in the same district for more than three years should also be avoided. The commission said this will reduce the risk of local influence and help maintain neutrality.

The letter also states that officials who have faced disciplinary action or have criminal cases should not be given election responsibilities. In addition, officers who are due to retire within the next six months should not be appointed as returning officers.

The commission has directed that transfers of officers involved in the election process should be done only after preparing the final list of appointed officials. This is to prevent confusion and last minute changes during the election period.

Sources said the commission may soon visit the state to review the preparations and hold meetings with senior officials. The steps taken now are part of an early effort to ensure smooth conduct of the assembly elections and to build public trust in the process.