Odisha State Election Commission

The Odisha State Election Commission is an autonomous and statutory body constituted in the Indian state of Odisha 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. Odisha 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. Odisha State Election Commissioner is appointed by Governor of Odisha.

Odisha State Election Commission
Agency overview
FormedMay'1994
JurisdictionOdisha
HeadquartersCommissioner-cum-Secretary, Cooperation Department,Govt. of Odisha.
Agency executive
  • Sri Aditya Prasad Padhi, IAS (Retd.), Chief Election Commissioner
Websitesec.odisha.gov.in

History and administration

The then-Orissa 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 state election commissioner cannot be removed from office except on the grounds and manner specified for judge of High Court.

Powers and responsibilities

The State Election Commissioner is responsible for the following:[1][5]

  • Issue notification containing guidelines for conducting elections for Municipal Corporations in State.
  • Conducting elections for Municipal Corporations in State.
  • Issue notification containing guidelines for conducting elections for conducting elections for Municipal panchayats in State.
  • Conducting elections for Municipal panchayats in State.[6]
  • Laying guidelines for persons eligible to contest in elections for Municipal Corporations in State.
  • Conducting elections for Municipal panchayats in State.[7]
  • Model code of conduct are following in elections for local bodies.
  • Updating Electoral rolls with new additions.[8]
  • 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.
  • Monitoring poll expenditure for Panchayat polls.[9][10]

Composition

Odisha State Election Commission is headed by Chief Electoral Officer and as many members as specified in State Act.[11] State Election Commissioners are independent persons not holding position or office in any Central or State Government organisations[12]

Aditya Prasad Padhi,I.A.S., Retd, is the Chief Electoral Officer of Odisha.[13] His period of service will be 5 years or attaining an age of 65 years whichever is earlier.

Constitutional requirements

Odisha State Election Commission was formed after amendment of Constitution with 73rd and 74th declaration.[14] State Election Commissions were formed as per Article 243K of the Constitution, similar to setting up of the Election Commission of India as per Article 324.[2]

See also

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. "Election Commission directs all state electoral officers to immediately redress all pending voter applications". The Statesman. 23 November 2021. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
  6. "Orissa HC seeks response from SEC, Chief Secy on pleas seeking civic polls". The Indian Express. 25 August 2021. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  7. patnaik, lalmohan (28 November 2021). "rourkela municipality: Plea in Orissa HC to allow Rourkela civic body polls | Cuttack News - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 12 December 2021.
  8. "Final voters' list for panchayat polls on December 14: Odisha Election Commission". The New Indian Express. 9 November 2021. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  9. "Odisha: State Election Commission increases expenditure limit for Panchayat polls: Check details". KalingaTV. 15 November 2021. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  10. "'Odisha panchayat polls candidates can spend more': State Election Commission". Hindustan Times. 16 November 2021. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  11. "Election Commission of Odisha - Its history, Functions and Officers". Elections in India. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  12. "State election commissioners should be independent, says SC". www.telegraphindia.com. 13 March 2021.
  13. "A P Padhi appointed as state election commissioner of Odisha". Business Standard India. 14 August 2019.
  14. "India State Election - Find information of all State elections in India". www.elections.in. Retrieved 6 December 2021.
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