Election Duty Pay: Assembly Election 2026 Remuneration and Food Allowance Details For Polling Personnel

Election Duty Pay: The Election Commission of India has released crucial information regarding the remuneration and allowances for polling personnel who will be taking up essential responsibilities in the upcoming 2026 Assembly Elections. Polling staff play an undeniable role at the grassroots level in ensuring a smooth and fair election process. To adequately value their hard work and guarantee convenient food arrangements during their duty, the Commission has issued a clear guideline detailing financial compensation and ancillary expenses.

Expected Total Payout at a Glance

According to the Commission’s guidelines, the total amount received by an employee, combining basic remuneration and food expenses, depends entirely on their assigned post.

• Presiding Officer: Personnel in this role receive a total of Rs. 3000 (Rs. 2000 basic allowance + Rs. 1000 food allowance). In addition to this, some extra contingency or mobile expense allowances may be added.
• Polling Officers (First, Second, and Third): These polling workers are granted a total of Rs. 2600, which includes Rs. 1600 as base remuneration and Rs. 1000 for tiffin expenses.

Basic Remuneration Breakdown by Post

The specific base pay determined for various roles during the election days is as follows:

• Sector Officer: A maximum of Rs. 10,000 for full-time election duty.
• Micro Observer: A lump sum of Rs. 2000.
• Presiding Officer & Counting Supervisor: Rs. 500 per day or a lump sum of Rs. 2000.
• Polling Officer: Rs. 400 per day or a lump sum of Rs. 1600.
• Counting Assistant: Rs. 1350.

Food and Tiffin Allowance Allocation

Keeping in mind the health and convenience of the staff during long and exhausting election duties, a separate provision for tiffin allowance has been made. A daily allowance of Rs. 500 has been allocated for both polling and police personnel. Since polling staff usually have to perform duty for two days (the day before the election and the election day itself), they receive a total of Rs. 1000 per head towards food expenses.

Background of the Directive

This remuneration structure has evolved over the years. Previously, the allowances for polling personnel were revised in 2014 and 2016. Subsequently, the Commission increased the remuneration again on August 8, 2025. According to the details mentioned on page 46 of the 82-page press note published by the Election Commission on March 15, 2026, this recently revised structure will be considered final for all election workers in the upcoming assembly elections.