The government has taken action against 45 Deputy Commissioners (DCs) who served as returning officers during the 11th national parliamentary election in 2018, a move that has caught the attention of many.
These officials have been reassigned as Officers on Special Duty (OSD), which is often viewed as a form of administrative sidelining.
On Wednesday, February 19, the Ministry of Public Administration issued six separate notifications that revealed the reassignment of 33 of these DCs.
This follows an earlier move where 12 other officials were also made OSD for similar reasons.
These officials, who are now serving as joint secretaries in various ministries, were in key positions during the 2018 national election.
The election, which had been widely debated and criticized by opposition parties, saw these deputy commissioners taking on the dual role of DCs and returning officers, overseeing the electoral process in their respective districts.
According to the Ministry of Public Administration, the decision to make these officials OSD stems from their involvement in the controversial 2018 election.
Although the notifications did not specify further details, the move suggests that their role in managing the election might have led to their current reassignment.
The OSD status, though not a direct punishment, typically limits an official`s responsibilities and is often seen as a way of placing them in less influential positions.
The Ministry`s decision has sparked discussions about the fairness and integrity of the 2018 election, as these officials were key figures in managing the voting process at the district level.
This recent development raises questions about the long-term consequences of their involvement in the election and what it means for their future in public service.
Many will be watching to see if further actions are taken against other officials involved in the 2018 election.
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