New Delhi: The Election Commission has imposed a total ban on the transfer of officials connected with the conduct of elections following the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct with the announcement of poll schedule.

The ban on transfers covers the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and additional, joint and deputy CEOs, divisional commissioners, district election officers, Ros (Regional Officers), AROs (Additional Regional Officers) and revenue officers, officers of the police department like range IGs (Inspector General) and DIGs (Deputy Inspector General) and SPs (Superintendent of Police), sub-divisional level police officers like DSP (Deputy Superintendent of police) and others, an EC order said.

"This ban shall be effective till the completion of the elections. The Commission further directs that the State Government should refrain from making transfers of senior officers who have a role in the management of elections in the State," it said.

The transfer orders issued prior to the announcement of poll schedule but not implemented till date should not be given effect to without obtaining specific permission from the Commission, the order said.

In cases where transfer of an officer was absolutely necessary on account of administrative exigencies, the concerned State Government may with full justification approach the Commission for prior clearance.

The Commission also banned announcement of any financial grants in any form, laying of foundation of stones of projects or schemes, making any promise of construction of roads, provision of drinking water facilities and making any ad hoc appoints in Government and public sector units.