As Assam gears up for the by-elections on November 13, the state’s Department of Personnel has suspended five Assam Civil Service (ACS) officers for failing to comply with directives from the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).
5 Assam Civil Service Officers Suspended
The suspension of these officers, implemented under Rule 6(1) of the Assam Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1964, took effect immediately following their refusal to report to newly assigned election-related posts, despite official transfer orders.
The Assam government has taken this step to maintain decorum and ensure a smooth electoral process for the upcoming by-polls across five legislative constituencies.
Non-compliance with election duties is treated seriously, especially as the administration prioritizes public interest and smooth operations during crucial elections. The disciplinary action underscores the government’s commitment to strict adherence to election duties and protocols among public servants.
Details of the Suspension Orders
The five suspended ACS officers failed to report to their designated election-related positions despite clear directives and transfer orders. Each officer reportedly cited personal reasons for their refusal to comply, and, in some cases, requested postings closer to Guwahati.
However, these justifications did not align with the requirements laid out by the CEO’s office, resulting in suspension orders for dereliction of duty.
The following are the specific cases of non-compliance:
- Saroj Kumar Deka, Parbatjhora Assistant Commissioner
Saroj Kumar Deka, who served as the Assistant Commissioner in Parbatjhora, was reassigned to Majuli as the Election Officer. Deka, however, did not assume his new role, expressing a preference to be stationed nearer to Guwahati for personal reasons. This failure to join his new post led to his immediate suspension. - Kabyashree Dihingya, Former Baksa Election Officer
Kabyashree Dihingya, previously serving as the Election Officer in Baksa, was transferred to Dima Hasao as the new Election Officer. Dihingya declined the posting, citing her inability to join, which the government interpreted as disobedience and damaging to “office decorum.” Her refusal to act in alignment with public interest and comply with the orders resulted in her suspension. - Jintu Sarma, Jonai Assistant Commissioner
Jintu Sarma, holding the position of Assistant Commissioner in Jonai, was assigned to Majuli as the Election Officer. He did not report to this post, similarly citing personal reasons and requesting an alternative placement closer to Guwahati. Sarma’s unwillingness to take up his designated role as required led to his suspension under the official disciplinary rules. - Parishmita Dehingia, Bokakhat Election Officer
Parishmita Dehingia, who served as the Election Officer in Bokakhat, was posted to Sivasagar for election duties. However, Dehingia refused to accept this new role and instead requested to be relieved from the Election Department entirely. This refusal to comply with government orders was met with suspension, as her decision was seen as an obstruction to the department’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities. - Kongkan Jyoti Saikia, Former Tinsukia Election Officer
Kongkan Jyoti Saikia, who was previously stationed as the Election Officer in Tinsukia, was transferred to Barpeta. Like the other officers, Saikia declined to report to his new assignment and requested release from the Election Department. His lack of cooperation with the transfer orders led to his suspension from service.
Implications and Government Response
The Assam government’s swift action to suspend the officers reflects the administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards disobedience, particularly in the context of election duties. Election duty is considered a public interest responsibility, and any lapse or reluctance in fulfilling such roles can disrupt the electoral process, potentially impacting fair and smooth elections.
These suspensions also serve as a reminder to all state officers about the importance of compliance with electoral and public service obligations, particularly at a time when the state is preparing for by-elections in five constituencies. Non-compliance is viewed as an affront to the government’s mandate and can undermine the public’s confidence in the electoral process.
Reinforcing Public Service Protocols
Election officials and civil service officers are expected to adhere to transfer orders, especially when they relate to essential functions such as overseeing election procedures. With Assam’s legislative by-polls approaching, the state government is taking every measure to ensure that its officers are stationed where required to facilitate orderly voting and uphold the democratic process.
In light of this disciplinary action, officials have reaffirmed that similar non-compliance cases will be handled with the utmost seriousness. The Department of Personnel emphasized that all officers have a duty to uphold the state’s regulations, as their roles contribute directly to maintaining governmental integrity and ensuring that public services operate without interruption.
This adherence to public service protocol is especially critical during election periods, when the government’s operational structure must be strictly maintained.
Election Preparations and Public Interest
As Assam nears the by-polls on November 13, the Department of Personnel’s decisive actions underscore the importance of maintaining discipline among officers. While personal preferences are taken into account wherever possible, the duty to serve the public remains paramount, and government employees are expected to fulfill their assigned roles.
In conclusion, the suspension of these five ACS officers underscores Assam’s commitment to a smooth electoral process. By holding public servants accountable, the government reinforces its stance on election duty compliance, setting a precedent for upholding order and public interest, especially during pivotal times such as elections.
As voting day approaches, the state is taking every precaution to ensure that the elections are conducted seamlessly and with the highest standards of transparency and accountability.
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