LAW AND ORDER

Regarding deployment of forces and other security arrangements during General/Bye-elections.

Election Commission's letter No. 437/6/GJ/96-PLN-III, Dated 16.4.96, addressed to All the Chief Secretaries of States/UTs and All the Chief Electoral Officers of States/UTs
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This is in continuation of the Commission's instructions given vide its letter No.464/3/96-PLN-I dated March 23, 1996, regarding deployment of forces and other security arrangements during General/Bye elections.

2. The Commission had agreed to the deployment of Home Guards subject to certain specific conditions. It had also given instructions that Home Guards recruited after October, 1995 should not be deployed for election related work.

3. References have been received from many States seeking permission for deployment of other voluntary forces besides Home Guards namely Forest Guards, Gram Rakshies, Ex-servicemen and retired policemen.

4. The Commission has reviewed the situation with reference to availability of forces for deployment during the elections. The Commission is aware that in view of the rising sensitivity of the constituencies, areas and polling stations, the existing Police and Central forces may not be fully adequate to meet with the complete requirements of the State Governments. It is imperative that the atmosphere during this period is kept free from fear and violence. The use of forces other than Home Guards may, therefore, becomes necessary in the present circumstances.

5. The Commission has, therefore, agreed after careful consideration to permit the use of forces which fulfil the following conditions:

i) Where the recruitment has been done by a selection Committee set up by the Government consisting entirely of senior officers only. No political person should in any way have been associated with the selection of the force.

ii) In case of Ex-servicemen or retired policemen only those persons should be utilised, who have not retired more than 3 years ago.

6. The Commission has also received requests from some State Governments for utilising the waiting lists, prepared for earlier selections of constables. The Commission has agreed that the waiting lists prepared by selection Committee may be utilised subject to the condition that the constables so recruited are given a thorough course of training so that they are not found wanting in any manner in performing their duties during the elections.

7. The Commission has totally rejected the proposal to make any fresh recruitment of constables for deployment during the elections.

8. Regarding the use of Home Guards the Commission has, in view of the difficulties expressed by the State Governments, further agreed to allow the deployment of Home Guards recruited up to 31st January, 1996.



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