Punjab State Election Commission

Punjab State Election Commission

Agency overview
Formed	May'1994
Jurisdiction	Punjab
Headquarters	SCO 49, Sector 17-E, Chandigarh – 160017
Agency executive	Sh. Raj Kamal Chaudhuri, IAS (Retd.), (State Election Commissioner)
Website	sec.punjab.gov.in

Punjab State Election Commission is an autonomous and statutory body constituted in Indian state of Punjab for ensuring that elections are conducted in free, fair and unbiased way. Constitution of India with provisions as per Article 243K and 243 ZA and Article 324 ensures creation and safeguarding of the powers of State Election Commissions. Punjab State Election Commission is responsible for conducting elections for Urban Local Bodies like Municipalities, Municipal Corporations, Panchayats and any other specified by Election Commission of India. Punjab State Election Commissioner is appointed by Governor of Punjab.

History and Administration

Punjab State Election Commission was formed in accordance with powers of Election Commission of India, which was constituted in year 1950 ^[1] to supervise state level elections. ^[2] State election commissioner is appointed by Governor. ^{[3] [4]} To ensure the autonomy of the position, the Goa state election commissioner cannot be removed from office except on the grounds and manner specified for judge of High Court.

Punjab State Chief Electoral Officer S Karuna Raju held review meeting for preparation of State Wide Assembly polls in year 2022. ^[5]

Powers and Responsibilities

Punjab States Election Commissioner is responsible for the following: ^{[1] [6]}

• Issue notification containing guidelines for conducting elections for Municipal Corporations in State.
• Conducting elections for Municipal Corporations in State. ^[7]
• Issue notification containing guidelines for conducting elections for conducting elections for Municipal panchayats in State.
• Conducting elections for Municipal panchayats in State
• Laying guidelines for persons eligible to contest in elections for Municipal Corporations in State.
• Conducting elections for Municipal panchayats in State.
• Model code of conduct are following in elections for local bodies. ^[8]
• Updating Electoral rolls with new additions
• Updating Electoral rolls with removals, if any.
• Declaration of results of elections held for Municipal Corporations in State.
• Declaration of results of elections held for Municipal panchayats in State.
• Ordering repoll if needed.
• Making arrangements for Statewide polls. ^{[5] [9]}

Composition

Punjab State Election Commission is headed by Chief Electoral Officer and as many members as specified in State Act. ^[5] State Election Commissioners are independent persons not holding position or office in any Central or State Government organisations ^[10]

Dr S Karuna Raju is the Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab. ^[11] His period of service will be 5 years or attaining an age of 65 years whichever is earlier.

Constitutional Requirements

Punjab State Election Commission was formed after amendment of Constitution with 73rd and 74th declaration. ^[12] State Election Commissions were formed as per Article 243K of the Constitution, similar to setting up of Election commission of India as per Article 324. ^[2]

See also

• Election Commission of India

References

1. "WHAT IS ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA (ECI)?". Business Standard India. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
2. "State election panels: Independent of central EC, with similar powers". The Indian Express. 12 April 2018. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
3. "India Code: Section Details". www.indiacode.nic.in. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
4. "State Election Commissioner Conditions of Service Rules, 1994". www.bareactslive.com. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
5. "Punjab assembly polls 2022: Chief Electoral Officer holds review meeting". ANI News. 8 December 2021. Retrieved 9 December 2021.
6. "Election Commission directs all state electoral officers to immediately redress all pending voter applications". The Statesman. 23 November 2021. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
7. "Punjab local body elections on February 14". Tribuneindia News Service. 16 January 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
8. "No code of conduct in Punjab from Dec 23, clarifies CEO". The Indian Express. 9 December 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
9. "Punjab gears up for 2022 Assembly elections". The Hindu. 14 September 2021. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
10. "State election commissioners should be independent, says SC". www.telegraphindia.com. 13 March 2021.
11. "Punjab election: State Election panel to conduct webcasting to avoid violations of code of conduct". ANI News. 7 December 2021. Retrieved 9 December 2021.
12. "India State Election - Find information of all State elections in India". www.elections.in. Retrieved 6 December 2021.

External links

• Official Website