Election Commission is an autonomous body in India. Its a dream of many aspirants to join Election Commission of India .Here is all the information related to Election Commission of India and how to join it.
What is Election Commission ?
Election Commission is a permanent and independent body established by the constitution of India directly to ensure free and fair election in the country.
Article 324 of the constitution provides that the power of superintendence , direction and control of elections, to parliament , state legislature , the office of president of India and the office of vice president of India shall be vested in the election commission.
Thus, Election Commission in an all-India body in the sense that it is common to both the Central government and the state governments.
Power and Duties of Election Commission
The powers and functions of the Election Commission with regard to election to the Parliament, state legislature and offices of President and Vice President can be classified in the following 3 types of Categories
- Administrative Powers — set Electoral Constituency boundaries in elections ,Register and Deregister any political party, etc
- Advisory Powers — advise President and governor to disqualify or advise for condition for Members of parliament, etc
- Quasi-Judicial Powers — EC act as court in disputes related to symbols of Political parties, etc
Functions and Duties of Election Commission (in detail)
To determine the territorial areas of the electoral constituencies through the country on the basis of Delimitation Commission Act of Parliament.
To Prepare and periodically revise electoral rolls and to register all eligible voters.
To notify the dates and schedules of elections and to scrutinize nomination papers.
To grant recognition to political parties and allot election symbol to them.
To act as court for settling disputes related to granting of recognition to political parties and allotment of symbols to them. To appoint officers for inquiring disputes relating to electoral arrangements.
To determine the code of conduct to be observed by the parties and candidates at the time of elections.
To prepare a roster for publicity of the policies of the political parties on radio and TV in times of elections.
To advise the president on matters relating to the disqualification of the members of parliament and members of the state legislature.
To cancel polls in the event of rigging, booth capturing, violence and other irregularities .
To request the president or the governor for requisitioning the staff necessary for conducting elections.
Management of Election Commission of India
Election Commissioners are assisted by Deputy Election Commissioner. They are further assisted by Directors General (DG), Principal Secretaries and Secretaries and Under Secretaries.
- At State Level EC is assisted by Chief Electoral Officer (IAS Officer of Principal Secretary rank )
- At District Level, EC is assisted by District Magistrates , Electoral Registration Officers and Returning Officers.
- Note : EC are not concerned with the election to Panchayat and Municipalities in the State.
Appointments of Employees in Election Commission of India
Appointment of Chief Election Commissioner
Chief Election Commissioner and 2 Election Commissioner shall be appointed by the President of India.
Note : Regional Commissioners are also appointed by the President of India with the advise of Election Commission.
Removal of Election Commissioners from Office
Removal of Election Commissioners are similar to the Removal of Supreme Court Judges of India.
To remove the Chief Election Commissioner , a resolution is passed by the Parliament ( Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha ) with a majority of 2/3rd .
Other Election Commissioner (Other than Chief Election Commissioner ) can be removed by the President on the recommendation of Chief Election Commissioner
Other Staff appointment
The other Staff of the Election Commission are hired through the MTS Exam. All the staff gets the government facilities and other allowances.
Salary Details
Salary and allowances of the Chief Election Commissioner are same as of the Judges of Supreme Court of India.
At present the salary of Judges of Supreme court of Judge is Rs 2.80 lakh per month. All other staff have salary as per their post and promotion.
All the staff gets the government facilities and other allowances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is the salary of Chief Election Commissioner of India ?
Ans. Rs 2.80 lakh per month