RTI

• Manual on RTI
• Self-Appraisal Report - 2023-2024
• Third-Party Transparency Audit Summary Report

1.1 Particulars of organisation,functions and duties[Section 4(1)(b)(i)]

1.1.1 Name and address of the organisation

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER PUDUCHERRY
Villianur Main Road, Lawsthottam,
Reddiarpalayam, Puducherry-605 010
Phone : (0413) 2292204,2292205/ Fax (0413)2292206
Website: https://ceopuducherry.py.gov.in ;
Email: jtceo_pondicherry@eci.gov.in

1.1.2 HEAD OF THE ORGANISATION

1.1.3 VISION, MISSION AND KEY OBJECTIVES

• Preparation of defect-free Photo Electoral rolls of all the thirty Assembly Constituencies.
• To provide round the year election related service including inclusion of name in the Photo Electoral Roll and issue of Electors Photo Identity Cards.
• Attainment of optimum level of interaction with all the citizens of Puducherry to resolve their election related grievances to their satisfaction.
• Ensuring free and fair poll as and when it takes place.
• To strive for increased participation of electors in enrollment and elections.

1.1.4 FUNCTION AND DUTIES

1. The office of the Chief Electoral Officer has been set up in the U.T. of Puducherry in accordance with the Section 13A of The Representation of the People Act-1950 with the objective of conducting elections to the Office of the President, Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha and Assembly Constituencies of Puducherry Legislative Assembly under the overall direction, superintendence and control of the Election Commission of India.

2. The office is headed by the Chef Electoral Officer (CEO), Puducherry, who is appointed by the Election Commission of India, in consultation with the Govt. of Puducherry. The Chief Electoral Officer is assisted by two Deputy Chief Electoral Officers. In the field, CEO is assisted by two District Election Officers, 12 Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and 12 Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs). For the conduct of elections, the Returning Officers (ROs) and Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) are notified.

3. All the Officers engaged in the Election related activities viz., the District Election Officers, Electoral Registration Officers, Assistant Electoral Registration Officers, Returning Officers, Asst. Returning Officers etc. are notified by the Election Commission of India in consultation with the Govt. of Puducherry.

1.1.5 ORGANISATION CHART

1.1.6 Any other details-the genesis, inception, formation of the department and the HoDs from time to time as well as the committees/ Commissions constituted from time to time have been dealt

1.2 Power and duties of its officers and employees[Section 4(1) (b)(ii)]

1.2.1 Powers and duties of officers (administrative, financial and judicial)

1.2.2 Power and duties of other employees

1.2.3 Rules / orders under which powers and duty are derived

1. The Constitution of India
2. The Representation of People Act, 1950
3. The Representation of People Act, 1951
4. The Delimitation Act, 2002
5. The Registration of Electors Rules, 1960
6. The Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification), Act, 1959
7. The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968
8. The Conduct of Election Rules, 1961
9. The Presidential and Vice Presidential Elections Rules, 1974

1. Handbook for Observers 2024
2. Handbook for Returning Officer (Updated 2023)
3. Manual on Electoral Rolls
4. Handbook for Presiding Officer (Updated 2023)
5. Handbook for Counting Agent (Updated 2023)
6. Handbook for Polling Agents(Updated 2023)
7. Handbook for Candidate (Updated 2023)
8. Handbook on Media matters 2024
9. Compendium of Instructions for Conduct of Elections
10. Other orders/rules/instructions issued by the Election Commission of India from time to time.

1.2.4 Work allocation

1.3 Procedure followed in decision making process [Section 4(1)(b)(iii)]

1.3.1 Process of decision making Identify key decision making points

1.3.2 Final decision making authority

1.3.3 Related provisions, acts, rules etc.

1. The Constitution of India
2. The Representation of People Act, 1950
3. The Representation of People Act, 1951
4. The Delimitation Act, 2002
5. The Registration of Electors Rules, 1960
6. The Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification), Act, 1959
7. The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968)
8. The Conduct of Election Rules, 1961
9. The Presidential and Vice Presidential Elections Rules, 1974

1.3.4 Time limit for taking a decisions

1.3.5 Channel of supervision and accountability

1.4 Norms for discharge of functions[Section 4(1)(b)(iv)]

1.4.1 Nature of functions/ services offered

1.4.2 Norms/ standards for functions/ service delivery

The norms / standards prescribed the Election Commission of India will be meticulously followed.

1.4.3 Process by which these services can be accessed

Both by offline and through online mode the services can be accessed by the general Public.

1.4.4 Time-limit for achieving the targets

1.4.5 Process of redress of grievances

The representation / grievances from the citizens of Puducherry are received in the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer and also at the offices of District Election Officers and Electoral Registration Officers. These are investigated and remedial action is taken.

A toll free number 1950 is also established. Citizens may also call this number to register their complaints and also seek enquiries.

This apart, citizens can also log in to CEO's website to register their complaints online. They may also send emails to the following mail IDs: ceo_pondicherry@eci.gov.in and jtceo_pondicherry@eci.gov.in.

1.5 Rules, regulations, instructions manual and records for discharging functions [Section 4(1)(b)(v)]

1.5.1 Title and nature of the record/ manual /instruction.

The following Acts, Rules, are applicable in the discharge of the functions of the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer and its sub ordinate Offices.

1. The Constitution of India
2. The Representation of People Act, 1950
3. The Representation of People Act, 1951
4. The Delimitation Act, 2002
5. The Registration of Electors Rules, 1960
6. The Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification), Act, 1959
7. The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968
8. The Conduct of Election Rules, 1961
9. The Presidential and Vice Presidential Elections Rules, 1974

Apart from these, the instructions issued by the Election Commission of India from time to time are applicable. The following are the important ones

1. Handbook for Observers 2024
2. Handbook for Returning Officer (Updated 2023)
3. Manual on Electoral Rolls
4. Handbook for Presiding Officer (Updated 2023)
5. Handbook for Counting Agent (Updated 2023)
6. Handbook for Polling Agents(Updated 2023)
7. Handbook for Candidate (Updated 2023)
8. Handbook on Media matters 2024
9. Compendium of Instructions for Conduct of Elections
10. Other orders/rules/instructions issued by the Election Commission of India from time to time.

Copies of the above Acts, Rules, Orders, Handbooks and Instructions can be downloaded from https://www.eci.gov.in/handbooks-manuals-modelchecklist

1.5.2 List of Rules, regulations, instructions manuals and records.

The following Acts, Rules, are applicable in the discharge of the functions of the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer and its sub ordinate Offices.

1. The Constitution of India
2. The Representation of People Act, 1950
3. The Representation of People Act, 1951
4. The Delimitation Act, 2002
5. The Registration of Electors Rules, 1960
6. The Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification), Act, 1959
7. The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968
8. The Conduct of Election Rules, 1961
9. The Presidential and Vice Presidential Elections Rules, 1974

Apart from these, the instructions issued by the Election Commission of India from time to time are applicable. The following are the important ones

1. Handbook for Observers 2024
2. Handbook for Returning Officer (Updated 2023)
3. Manual on Electoral Rolls
4. Handbook for Presiding Officer (Updated 2023)
5. Handbook for Counting Agent (Updated 2023)
6. Handbook for Polling Agents(Updated 2023)
7. Handbook for Candidate (Updated 2023)
8. Handbook on Media matters 2024
9. Compendium of Instructions for Conduct of Elections
10. Other orders/rules/instructions issued by the Election Commission of India from time to time.

Copies of the above Acts, Rules, Orders, Handbooks and Instructions can be downloaded from https://www.eci.gov.in/handbooks-manuals-modelchecklist

1.5.3 Acts/ Rules manuals etc.

The following Acts, Rules, are applicable in the discharge of the functions of the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer and its sub ordinate Offices.

1. The Constitution of India
2. The Representation of People Act, 1950
3. The Representation of People Act, 1951
4. The Delimitation Act, 2002
5. The Registration of Electors Rules, 1960
6. The Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification), Act, 1959
7. The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968
8. The Conduct of Election Rules, 1961
9. The Presidential and Vice Presidential Elections Rules, 1974

Apart from these, the instructions issued by the Election Commission of India from time to time are applicable. The following are the important ones

1. Handbook for Observers 2024
2. Handbook for Returning Officer (Updated 2023)
3. Manual on Electoral Rolls
4. Handbook for Presiding Officer (Updated 2023)
5. Handbook for Counting Agent (Updated 2023)
6. Handbook for Polling Agents(Updated 2023)
7. Handbook for Candidate (Updated 2023)
8. Handbook on Media matters 2024
9. Compendium of Instructions for Conduct of Elections
10. Other orders/rules/instructions issued by the Election Commission of India from time to time.

Copies of the above Acts, Rules, Orders, Handbooks and Instructions can be downloaded from https://www.eci.gov.in/handbooks-manuals-modelchecklist

1.6 Categories of documents held by the authority under its control[Section 4(1)(b) (vi)]

1.6.1 Categories of documents

a) Compilation of the Acts and Rules mentioned above, Compendia i.e. compilation of various instructions issued by the Commission from time to time for the conduct of elections and preparation of Electoral Rolls, Statistical data of elections, various Hand-books, like, Handbooks for Returning Officers, Presiding Officers, Polling Officers, Electoral Registration Officers, Candidates etc. are available in the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer and District Election Officers and also on Commission's website.

b) Electoral Rolls for assembly constituencies are available in the offices of District Election Officers and Electoral Registration Officers. Two copies of draft electoral rolls and final rolls are made available, free of cost, to all the recognized state and national political parties. PDF version of Electoral Rolls are also available on the website of the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer at https://ceopuducherry.py.gov.in/electrol_rolls.php.

c) Printing of Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) - (Voter ID Card) is done by third party print service provider M/s. M-tech, Pune.

d) Copies of affidavits filed by candidates at the time of nominations during election are available with the Returning Officers and also on the website of Chief Electoral Officer https://ceopuducherry.py.gov.in/affidavit_candidate.php

Statistical data of all general elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies can be seen on the website https://ceopuducherry.py.gov.in/elections_glance.php

1.6.2 Custodian of documents/categories

The Chief Electoral Officer, Puducherry is the custodian of all the documents.

1.8 Directory of officers and employees

1.8.1 Name and designation

1.8.2 Telephone, fax and email ID

1.9 Monthly Remuneration received by officers & employees including system of compensation

1.9.1 List of employees with Gross monthly remuneration

1.9.2 System of compensation as provided in its regulations

1.10 Name, designation and other particulars of public information officers

1.10.1 Name and designation of the public information officer (PIO), Assistant Public Information officer (APIO) & Appellate Authority

1.11 Number of employees against whom disciplinary action has been propoed/taken

1.11.1 Number of employees against whom disciplinary action has been
(i) Pending for minor penalty or major penalty proceedings.

1.11.2 Number of employees against whom disciplinary action has been
(ii) Finalized for minor penalty or major penalty proceedings.

1.12 Programmes to advance understanding of RTI

1.12.1 Educational Programmes

Establishment of Elector Literacy clubs (ELC) at all Schools and Colleges in order to engage college students through interesting activities and hands-on experience to sensitize them about their electoral rights and familiarize them with the complete electoral process in our country. The ELC aims at strengthening the culture of electoral participation among young and future voters.

1.12.2 Efforts to encourage public authority to participate in these programmes

• School Level ELCs : School Level ELCs have been established for future voters. Students from class 9 to 12 (14 to 17 years old) become members.
• College Level ELCs : College Level ELCs have been established for New Voters who are aged between 18 and 21 years.
• Chunav Pathshala : Chunav Pathshalas have been established Polling Station-wise and BLOs are made incharge of Chunav Pathshalas to educate the illiterate people.
• Voter Awareness Forum : The concept of Voter Awareness Forum (VAF) has been developed to spread voter awareness amongst employees of Govt./Pvt. Department/Organization.

1.12.3 Training of CPIO/APIO

The CPIOs and Appellate authorities are imparted training periodically by the AR wing of Chief Secretariat.

1.12.4 Update & publish guidelines on RTI by the Public Authorities concerned

The updated Manual on RTI is uploaded in the official website of Elections department.

1.13 Transfer policy and transfer orders [F.No.1/6/2011-IR dt. 15.4.2013] concerned

As per the transfer policy issued by DP&AR, Puducherry, vide G.O. Ms.No.3 dt. 21.01.2019.

2.1 Budget allocated to each agency including all plans, proposed expenditure and reports on disbursements made etc.

2.1.1 Total Budget for the public authority

2.1.2 Budget for each agency and plan & programmes

2.1.3 Proposed expenditures

Budget allocated in Financial Year - 2024-25:-

Demand No. 11 - GRAND TOTAL - 154793

2.1.4 Revised budget for each agency

Budget allocated in Financial Year - 2024-25:-

Demand No. 11 - GRAND TOTAL - 124824

2.1.5 Report on disbursements made and place where the related reports are available.

There is no such report available on disbursements made by the Elections Department.

2.1.6 Information related to procurements

The following items are proprietary in nature and are procured as per rule 166 of GFR 2017 on single quotation basis.

2.6 CAG & PAC Paras

2.6.1 CAG and PAC paras and the action taken reports (ATRs) after these have been laid on the table of both houses of the Parliament

Reply for the above audit paras has been submitted to the Principal Auditor General, Branch Office, Puducherry with a request to drop the said paras.

3.3 Dissemination of information widely and in such form and manner which is easily accessible to the public

3.3.1 Use of the most effective means of communication - Internet (website)

Official website of the CEO Puducherry is https://ceopuducherry.py.gov.in/

3.4 Form of accessibility of information manual / handbook

3.4.1 Information manual / handbook available in Electronic format

All information manual / handbook are available in the Official websites of the Chief Electoral Officer, Puducherry and the Election Commission of India..

3.4.2 Information manual / handbook available in Printed format

All information manual / handbook is available in the office of the CEO, DEOs of Puducherry and Karaikal, EROs of Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam regions.

3.5 Whether information manual/ handbook available free of cost or not

3.5.1 List of materials available Free of cost

3.5.2 List of materials available at a reasonable cost of the medium

All information manual / handbooks are available in electronic medium for free of cost.

4.1 Language in which Information Manual/Handbook Available

4.1.1 English

4.1.2 Vernacular/ Local Language

All information Manual/Handbook is available in English Language.

4.2 When was the information Manual/Handbook last updated

4.2.1 Last date of Annual updation

The information manual/handbook has been last updated on 31st March 2025.

4.3 Information available in electronic form

4.3.1 Details of information available in electronic form

4.3.2 Name/ title of the document/record/ other information

4.3.3 Location where available

The following information are made available in pdf format in CEO's website (http://ceopuducherry.py.gov.in/)

1. Compendium of Instructions
2. Electoral Rolls (PDF)
3. Electoral Statistics
4. Online Voter Registration
5. Check Your Application Status
6. Past Elections & Affidavits
7. Acts & Rules
8. Model Code of Conduct
9. Search your name
10. General Information & Maps
11. SVEEP (Voter Education)
12. Know your voting booth & details
13. Know Your DEO/ERO/AERO
14. For political parties

4.4 Particulars of facilities available to citizen for obtaining information

4.4.1 Name & location of the facility

http://ceopuducherry.py.gov.in/

4.4.2 Details of information made available

http://ceopuducherry.py.gov.in/

4.4.3 Working hours of the facility

Monday to Friday (8.45 AM to 5.45 PM)

4.4.4 Contact person & contact details

Contact Details.

4.5 Such other information as may be prescribed under Section 4(i) (b)(xvii)

4.5.1 Grievance redressal mechanism

https://voters.eci.gov.in/home/ngsp

4.5.2 Details of applications received under RTI and information provided

---NIL---

4.5.5 Annual Report

https://ceopuducherry.py.gov.in/rti.php

4.5.6 Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

https://www.eci.gov.in/faq

4.5.7 Any other information such as - (a) Citizen's Charter, (b) Result Framework Document (RFD), (c) Six monthly reports on the, (d) Performance against the benchmarks set in the Citizen's Charter.

citizen's Charter only : https://ceopuducherry.py.gov.in/pdf/roi.pdf

4.6 Receipt & Disposal of RTI applications & appeals

4.6.1 Details of applications received and disposed

4.6.2 Details of appeals received and orders issued

4.7 Replies to questions asked in the parliament

4.7.1 Details of questions asked and replies given

5.1 Such other information as may be prescribed

5.1.1 Name & details of - (a) Current CPIOs & FAAs, (b) Earlier CPIO & FAAs from 1.1.2015

• Current CPIO - Mr. S. Selvavinayagam, Superintendent
• Current FAA - Mr. M. Adharsh, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer
• Earlier CPIO - Mr. J. Murugan, Superintendent
• Earlier FAA - Mr. B. Thillaivel, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer

5.1.2 Details of third party audit of voluntary disclosure
(a) Dates of audit carried-out, (b) Report of the Audit carried out.

Third party Transparency Audit - Download Link.

5.1.3 Appointment of Nodal Officers not below the rank of Joint Secretary/ Additional HoD - (a) Date of appointment , (b) Name & Designation of the officers

Nodal officer:-
Mr. M. Adharsh,
Deputy Chief Electoral Officer
Date of Appointment:- 14.02.2023

6.2 STQC Certification

Website audited by CERT-IN empanelled Security Auditing Agency and the Certificate can be downloaded here.