Appointment of RO and ARO for Biennial Election to the Council of States from 2 seats of Assam

## Report on Election Commission of India Notification Regarding Returning Officers for Council of States Election in Assam **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Election Commission of India on June 2, 2025, concerning the designation of a Returning Officer and appointment of an Assistant Returning Officer for the upcoming biennial election to the Council of States in Assam. The notification, issued in accordance with the Representation of the People Act, 1951, designates specific officers within the Assam Legislative Assembly Secretariat for these roles. This ensures the smooth and lawful conduct of the election. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative overview of the Election Commission of India's notification, dated June 2, 2025, regarding the appointment of election officials for the Council of States election in Assam. This analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a *new policy* specific to the designation of officers for this particular election. * **Core Objective:** To designate a Returning Officer and appoint an Assistant Returning Officer to manage the biennial election to the Council of States in Assam, ensuring compliance with the Representation of the People Act, 1951. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **New Policy:** The notification addresses the need to appoint specific individuals to oversee the electoral process for the Council of States election in Assam. The Representation of the People Act, 1951 mandates the appointment of such officers to ensure the fair and efficient conduct of elections. Without these appointments, the election could not proceed according to legal requirements. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **New Policy:** The key provision of this notification is the explicit designation of: * Shri Rajib Bhattacharyya, Additional Secretary, Assam Legislative Assembly Secretariat, as the Returning Officer. * Shri Prodip Handique, OSD Joint Secretary, Assam Legislative Assembly Secretariat, as the Assistant Returning Officer. * The notification explicitly states this designation is "in pursuance of Section 21, and in exercise of the powers conferred by subsection 1 of Section 22, of the Representation of the People Act, 1951". This provides the legal basis for the designations. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this notification include: * The designated Returning Officer (Shri Rajib Bhattacharyya) and Assistant Returning Officer (Shri Prodip Handique). * The Election Commission of India. * The Government of Assam. * Candidates contesting the election to the Council of States from Assam. * Voters eligible to participate in the election (Members of the Assam Legislative Assembly). * The Assam Legislative Assembly Secretariat. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Election Commission of India is the primary responsible agency. The Government of Assam was consulted in the process. The Assam Legislative Assembly Secretariat is also involved, as the designated officers are drawn from its staff. * **Timelines or Procedures:** The notification is tied to the biennial election to the Council of States, scheduled following the President of India's notification published on June 2, 2025. Specific timelines and procedures beyond the designation of officers are not detailed in the provided text. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **New Policy:** The expected outcome of this notification is the legally compliant and efficient execution of the biennial election to the Council of States from Assam. By clearly assigning responsibility for the Returning Officer and Assistant Returning Officer roles, the notification aims to ensure accountability and proper management of the electoral process. **9. Conclusion:** The Election Commission of India's notification, dated June 2, 2025, regarding the designation of election officials for the Council of States election in Assam, is a crucial step in ensuring the democratic process functions correctly. The notification adheres to the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and provides a clear framework for the administration of the election. This act of designating the proper officers ensures the fairness and legality of the electoral process.

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