The Election Commission of India (ECI) has recently announced a significant increase in the remuneration and allowances for personnel involved in election duties. This decision impacts a wide range of officials, including presiding officers, polling officers, counting staff, micro observers, and members of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). The move aims to recognize the arduous and sensitive duties performed by these individuals and ensure they are suitably compensated for their efforts.

The revised rates represent a notable increase compared to the previous structure, which was last updated between 2014 and 2016. Key changes include:

• Presiding Officers and Counting Supervisors: Increased to ₹500 per day or a lump sum of ₹2,000, up from ₹350 per day.
• Polling Officers: Increased to ₹400 per day or a lump sum of ₹1,600, up from ₹250 per day.
• Counting Assistants: Increased to ₹450 per day or a lump sum of ₹1,350, up from ₹250 per day.
• Class IV Employees: Increased to ₹350 per day or a lump sum of ₹1,000.
• Deputy District Election Officers (Dy. DEOs): Will now receive not less than one month's basic pay. Previously, there was no specific honorarium for this role.
• Gazetted Officers of CAPF (Commandants and equivalents): ₹4,000 for duty up to 15 days, with higher weekly rates for longer duty periods.
• Subordinate Officers of CAPF (inspectors and similar ranks): Increased honorarium for both short and longer duties.
• Other Ranks of CAPF (head constables, constables): Increased fixed sums for short duties and higher weekly pay for longer duties.
• Assistant Expenditure Observers and Sector Officers: Full-time election duty honorarium increased to ₹10,000 (from ₹7,500) or on a pro-rata basis.

In addition to the increased remuneration, the ECI has also raised the daily food and refreshment allowance for personnel on election duty. This allowance, which covers polling personnel, police, home guards, forest guards, ex-servicemen, and volunteers, has been increased from ₹150 to ₹500 per day.

The ECI has emphasized that the conduct of elections involves diverse activities carried out by an extensive machinery of officials and staff requisitioned from various departments of the Central Government, State Governments, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and local authorities. These individuals often work long hours for extended periods to ensure a conducive environment for electors to exercise their right to vote. The revised remuneration and allowances are intended to provide suitable compensation for these efforts and maintain morale among the workforce.

The decision has been welcomed by election staff and administrators, particularly in light of the intense physical and logistical demands of conducting elections in India. By revising the honorarium, the Election Commission aims to send a clear message that those who ensure the integrity of the electoral process deserve both recognition and fair compensation. The revised rates will be applicable in upcoming elections across the country, including assembly and parliamentary polls.