Palghar civic official suspended for alleged absence from Election Commission's SIR duty

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A civic official deputed for the Election Commission of India's ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has been suspended for allegedly remaining absent from duty without permission in Maharashtra's Palghar district, officials said on Saturday.

The Palghar district administration said disciplinary action was initiated against Gopal Chaudhari, Group Education Officer of the Vasai Panchayat Samiti, after he allegedly failed to discharge his responsibilities as an Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) assigned to the 132-Nalasopara Assembly constituency.

Official accused of unauthorised absence

According to a release issued by the district administration, Chaudhari remained absent from election-related duties without prior intimation or approval from the competent authority after being appointed as the Assistant Electoral Registration Officer.

The administration alleged that he did not perform any work connected with the Special Intensive Revision programme during his period of absence.

Officials said his repeated failure to attend duty hampered the implementation of the electoral roll revision process in the constituency.

Administration cites negligence and dereliction of duty

The district administration alleged that Chaudhari's conduct amounted to negligence, lack of attention, delay in official work and dereliction of duty.

According to the release, these lapses adversely affected election-related activities in the Nalasopara Assembly constituency, where the revision of electoral rolls is currently underway.

Taking serious note of the alleged misconduct, the district administration initiated disciplinary proceedings against the officer.

Action ordered under election law

The suspension was ordered by Palghar District Collector and District Election Officer under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the administration said.

Officials did not specify the duration of the suspension or whether any further departmental inquiry had been initiated against the officer.

The administration also did not disclose whether an alternative officer had been appointed to oversee the pending electoral roll revision work in the constituency.

SIR exercise described as time-bound and crucial

The district administration emphasised that the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a critical and time-bound exercise aimed at updating electoral rolls to ensure their accuracy before future elections.

The administration warned that negligence, delays or any dereliction of duty by officials assigned to the programme would not be tolerated.

It stated that all officers deployed for election-related work are expected to perform their responsibilities diligently to ensure the smooth and timely completion of the revision process.

Officials reiterated that strict action would continue to be taken against any personnel found neglecting duties connected with the Election Commission's electoral roll revision programme.

(With inputs from PTI)