Hiring through HPSC, HSSC can continue, says poll official

Chandigarh, August 20

Haryana’s Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal today clarified that recruitments through the Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) and Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC) could continue despite the model code of conduct in place.

Agarwal said, “According to instructions from the Election Commission of India (ECI), regular recruitment or appointments or promotion through the Union Public Service Commission, State Public Service Commissions or the State Selection Commission or any other statutory authority can continue. The recruitments through non-statutory bodies will require prior clearance of the Commission.”

Addressing a press conference, he said permission from the ECI was taken for the transfer of 86 IAS and HCS officers. He, however, said the transfer of IPS officers was carried out before the announcement of elections.

On the question of poster war between the Congress and the BJP, Agarwal said they would look into the issue. He said there are 2.03 crore voters in the state, with 2.43 lakh above 85 years and 9,554 being 100 years and above. There are 1.07 crore men voters while 95.03 lakh women voters. Among the service voters, 1.04 lakh are men and 4,748 women. On young voters, he said there are 4.83 lakh voters in the 18-19 age group while 41.52 lakh are in the 20-29 age bracket. He said the state had demanded 225 companies of the Central forces, of which 70 had been already allotted.

The Assembly elections would be held on October 1 and counting will take place on October 4. Agarwal said the notification for the polls would be issued on September 5.

Nod taken for recent transfers

Haryana’s Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal on Tuesday said permission from the Election Commission of India was taken for the recent transfer of 86 IAS and HCS officers. He added that the transfer of IPS officers was carried out before the announcement of elections.