Ahead of the Bihar elections, the Election Commission has increased the honorarium for all election duty officers, including presiding officers, polling personnel, counting staff, and micro observers. Rates for food and refreshments have also been revised.
ECI: Ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken a major decision by announcing an increase in the honorarium for officers and employees deployed on election duty. This decision will not only boost the morale of the employees but will also help in ensuring the quality and fairness of the electoral process.
An official letter issued by the Election Commission states that the remuneration of presiding officers, polling officers, counting personnel, micro observers, as well as Deputy District Election Officers, Sector Officers, and CAPF personnel, has been revised. In addition, the rates for food and refreshments provided during polling and counting duties have also been increased.
A Relief-Filled Gift for Employees
This move by the Election Commission is being seen as a relief-filled gift for the lakhs of employees involved in election duty. There had been a long-standing demand for an increase in honorarium, especially since the electoral process has become more digital and technically complex.
According to the Commission, personnel deployed during electoral processes will now receive fair remuneration and facilities commensurate with their hard work. This decision comes at a time when preparations for the upcoming elections in Bihar are in full swing and the process of deploying employees has begun.
On Which Posts Has the Honorarium Been Increased?
Under the revision made by the Commission, the honorarium of the following officers has been increased:
- Presiding Officer
- Polling Officers I, II & III
- Micro Observer
- Counting Supervisor and Assistant
- Deputy District Election Officer
- Sector Magistrate and Sector Officer
- Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel
This revision has been made after a long interval. According to information, the last revision was made in the year 2016, and before that, partial changes were made in 2014.
Increase in Food and Refreshments as Well
The rates for food and refreshments (Refreshment Allowance) for personnel deployed on election duty have also been increased. Now they will get more quality and nutritious food during duty, which will improve their efficiency.
Earlier, the amount received for refreshments and food during elections was very low, due to which employees had to arrange it from their personal expenses. Now, this change will provide them with both convenience and respect.
Election Commission's Logic: Difficult Duty, Respectable Remuneration
The Election Commission has clarified in its letter that the employees deployed in tasks such as polling and counting perform very sensitive, stressful, and long-lasting duties. It is necessary to ensure their safety, impartiality, and accountability.
The Commission said, "The smooth conduct of elections across the country depends on the hard work of these personnel. In such a situation, it had become necessary to provide them with respectable financial support."
Special Focus on Bihar Elections
Special arrangements are being made for the upcoming elections in Bihar from the point of view of security and transparency. This increase in honorarium will not only boost the morale of the personnel but will also send a message that the government and the Commission value their hard work.
Lakhs of employees are deployed on election duty in Bihar, which includes a large number of school teachers to administrative officers. This decision of the Election Commission will encourage them to engage in election work in a better way.
Impact of the Salary Increase
This honorarium increase will have a direct impact on the quality, timeliness, and fairness of election duty. Electoral staff are already trained and alert, but when they receive fair remuneration, they discharge their duties responsibly. Experts believe that this change will make the electoral process more smooth, fair, and efficient.
