The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a significant election staff remuneration hike for 2025, aimed at better compensating the dedicated personnel who ensure free and fair elections across the country. This decision, outlined in ECI’s press note (No. ECI/PN/285/2025, dated August 8, 2025), revises the honorarium for key election roles such as Presiding Officers, Polling Officers, Counting Personnel, Micro Observers, and other officials. The last major revision occurred between 2014 and 2016, making this update a critical step to address the demanding nature of election duties.
Election staff remuneration is a vital aspect of motivating the workforce that manages India’s complex electoral process. These officials, drawn from various Central and State Government departments, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and local authorities, often work long hours under challenging conditions. The ECI’s decision reflects its commitment to ensuring suitable compensation, acknowledging the arduous and sensitive responsibilities these individuals undertake to uphold democratic integrity.
Overview of the Election Staff Remuneration Hike
The 2025 remuneration hike addresses the evolving needs of election staff, recognizing their critical role in maintaining a conducive environment for voters to exercise their franchise. The updated rates cover a wide range of personnel, from Presiding Officers to Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel, and include provisions for food and refreshments during polling and counting duties. This comprehensive revision aims to enhance morale and efficiency among election staff, ensuring the electoral process remains robust.
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Detailed Breakdown of Election Staff Remuneration Hike Rates
The ECI has significantly increased the remuneration for various election roles, as detailed below. These revisions ensure that compensation aligns with the demanding nature of election duties:
| Designation | Previous Rate (2016) | New Rate (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Presiding Officer/Counting Supervisor | Rs. 350/day | Rs. 500/day or Rs. 2,000 lump sum |
| Polling Officer | Rs. 250/day | Rs. 400/day or Rs. 1,600 lump sum |
| Counting Assistant | Rs. 250/day | Rs. 450/day or Rs. 1,350 lump sum |
| Deputy District Election Officers (Dy. DEOs) | Nil | Not less than one month’s basic pay |
| CAPF Gazetted Officers | Rs. 2,500 (≤15 days); Rs. 1,500/week (>15 days) | Rs. 4,000 (≤15 days); Rs. 2,000/week (>15 days) |
| CAPF Subordinate Officers | Rs. 2,000 (≤15 days); Rs. 1,000/week (>15 days) | Rs. 4,000 (≤15 days); Rs. 1,500/week (>15 days) |
| Other Ranks of CAPF | Rs. 1,500 (≤15 days); Rs. 750/week (>15 days) | Rs. 2,500 (≤15 days); Rs. 1,250/week (>15 days) |
| Sector Officer/Assistant Expenditure Observer | Rs. 7,500 (full-time) | Rs. 10,000 (full-time) |
Additionally, the ECI has increased the food and refreshment allowance from Rs. 150 per day to Rs. 500 per day for personnel deployed at polling stations and counting centers, including police, Home Guards, and volunteers.
Impact of the Remuneration Hike on Election Staff
The election staff remuneration hike is expected to significantly boost morale among election personnel, particularly those working at the grassroots level. By offering better financial incentives, the ECI aims to attract and retain committed individuals who ensure the integrity of the electoral process. This move is particularly crucial as India prepares for upcoming elections, including those in Bihar, where the ECI has also approved a special incentive of Rs. 6,000 for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) undertaking Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Who is Exempted from Election Duty?
While the ECI relies on a diverse workforce for election duties, certain categories of employees are exempted. These include pregnant women, employees with disabilities, and those with serious medical conditions, as per ECI guidelines. Additionally, personnel engaged in essential services, such as healthcare or emergency response, may be excused to ensure uninterrupted public services. For detailed exemptions, refer to the ECI’s official guidelines on their website (ECI Official Website).
TA/ DA and Compensatory Leave for Election Duty
In addition to the election staff remuneration hike, they are entitled to Travel Allowance (TA) and Dearness Allowance (DA) as per government norms. The TA/DA rates for 2025 have not been explicitly detailed in the latest ECI press note, but they typically align with standard government rates for official duties. Furthermore, compensatory leave is often granted to election staff post-duty, acknowledging the long hours and intensive work during elections. Employees should check with their respective State Election Commissions for specific TA/ DA rates and leave policies.
For more information on election staff remuneration and related policies, visit the Election Commission of India or contact your local election office.
