Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the Election Commission on Thursday ordered immediate transfer of all officials posted at one place for over three years or deputed in their home districts in order to conduct free and fair elections.
    
The full Commission which met Chief Secretaries and Directors General of Police of all States and Union Territories sought a compliance report by February 28.
    
The EC also directed that all key posts should be filled up on priority basis by February 20, an EC release said.
    
The Chief Secretaries and DGPs gave their views on the schedule and phasing of election, security force requirements
and other logistics, including the requirement of helicopters, speed boats and satellite phones.
    
The EC directed them to make adequate budget provisions, strengthen CEO's office and identify a nodal officer to
coordinate the movement and logistics of the additional forces that would be mobilised and inducted from outside into the states, it said.
    
The Commission met leaders of political parties and Chief Electoral Officers in the last two days while gearing up for the general elections likely in April-May.