RC Sharma Chanakya
Jammu, Sep 30: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a stern reprimand to the Jammu & Kashmir administration regarding the appointment of an Indian Army Colonel as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) during the Model Code of Conduct period for the upcoming assembly elections in the Union Territory.
In a communication dated September 30, 2024, referenced as letter number 437/J&K-LA/2024 (NS-I), the ECI directed the Chief Secretary of Jammu & Kashmir to submit a compliance report by 11:00 AM on October 1, 2024. The report must include a detailed explanation for the issuance of this appointment without prior approval from the Commission.
The controversy centers around Government Order No. 444-Home of 2024, issued on September 27, 2024, which appointed Colonel Vikrant Prashar, from the Para High Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg, as SSP (Training) and Special Operations within the Jammu & Kashmir Police. The ECI has raised objections to this order, emphasizing that the Model Code of Conduct prohibits any transfer of officers connected to the election process during this critical period.
In its letter, the ECI stated that while it refrains from delving into the rationale or urgency behind the appointment of a military officer to a civilian role at this time, the directive is clear: the order must be put on hold immediately. This letter was signed by B.C. Patra, Secretary of the Commission.
The ECI’s reprimand is a serious matter, highlighting potential lapses in governance and adherence to electoral protocols within the Jammu & Kashmir administration. Copies of the letter have been circulated to the Principal Secretary of Home and the Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu & Kashmir for their information and necessary action.
