The Election Commission of India (ECI) will deploy Central Observers (General, Police, and Expenditure) to Bihar and states holding bye-elections. This action is taken under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Observers report to the Commission and ensure fairness, impartiality, and credibility in elections. They identify areas for improvement and formulate recommendations. 470 officers (320 IAS, 60 IPS and 90 IRS/IRAS/ICAS) will be deployed for the upcoming general election to the legislative assembly of Bihar and bye-elections in Jammu & Kashmir (AC-Budgam & Nagrota), Rajasthan (AC-Anta), Jharkhand (AC-Ghatsila), Telangana (AC – Jubilee Hills), Punjab (AC – Tarn Taran), Mizoram (AC – Dampa) and Odisha (AC – Nuapada). This announcement was posted on 28 SEP 2025 at 2:15 PM by PIB Delhi. Release ID: 2172416.
Key Entities Referenced
Election Commission of India: The primary entity deploying observers for elections.
Bihar: One of the states where Central Observers are deployed for general elections.
Representation of the People Act, 1951: Law providing powers for deploying Central Observers.
Article 324 of the Constitution: Constitutional basis for the Election Commission's powers to deploy observers.
Central Observers (General, Police & Expenditure): Officers deployed to oversee conduct of elections.
Election Commission
ECI to deploy Central Observers (General, Police &
Expenditure) in Bihar and bye-elections in certain
states
Posted On: 28 SEP 2025 2:15PM by PIB Delhi
1. The Election Commission of India deploys Central Observers under the plenary powers conferred on it
by Article 324 of the Constitution and the powers conferred on it by Section 20B of the Representation
of the People Act, 1951 to watch the conduct of elections in a constituency.
2. The Observers work under the superintendence, control, and discipline of the Commission for the
period from their appointment until the process of election is completed.
3. The Observers are entrusted with the crucial and solemn responsibility to ensure the fairness,
impartiality and credibility of elections, which ultimately forms the bedrock of our democratic polity.
They act as eyes and ears of the Commission and keep reporting to the Commission periodically and on
need basis.
4. Observers not only help the Commission in fulfilling its constitutional mandate of conducting free, fair,
transparent and inclusive elections but also contribute towards enhancing voter awareness and
participation in elections.
5. The main objective of the Observers is to identify areas for improvements and to formulate concrete and
operative recommendations.
6. By dint of their seniority and long experience in the administrative services, General and Police
Observers assist the Commission in the conduct of free and fair polls. They also oversee the efficient
and effective management of the electoral process at the field level.
7. Expenditure Observers are appointed to observe the election expenses incurred by the Candidates.
8. The Election Commission of India has decided to deploy 470 Officers (320 IAS, 60 from IPS and
90 from IRS/IRAS/ICAS etc.) serving in various States as Central Observers (General, Police and
Expenditure) for the forthcoming general election to the legislative assembly of Bihar and bye-
elections in Jammu & Kashmir (AC- Budgam & Nagrota), Rajasthan (AC- Anta), Jharkhand
(AC-Ghatsila), Telangana (AC – Jubilee Hills), Punjab (AC – Tarn Taran), Mizoram (AC –
Dampa) and Odisha (AC – Nuapada).
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PK/GDH/RP
(Release ID: 2172416)