Election Flying Squad
Full Form of EFK
What is EFK?
An Election Flying Squad (EFK) is a mobile team deployed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to enforce the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and prevent electoral malpractices during elections. These squads typically consist of police personnel, magistrates, and videographers who patrol constituencies to monitor campaign spending, illegal distribution of cash or liquor, and other violations. EFK teams have the authority to seize unauthorized cash, goods, and vehicles used for bribery, and can file criminal cases against offenders. They operate extensively during Lok Sabha, state assembly, and local body elections, often coordinating with static surveillance teams and expenditure observers. The concept of flying squads was strengthened after the ECI’s efforts to curb money power in elections. For competitive exams like UPSC Civil Services, SSC, and state PCS, questions about the composition, powers, and legal basis of EFKs are common in polity sections. Their role in ensuring free and fair elections makes them a critical topic in Indian governance. Candidates should understand that EFKs are distinct from police patrols and function only during the election period under the supervision of the returning officer. The ECI issues detailed guidelines for their formation, reporting, and seizure protocols, which are updated for each election cycle.
EFK का फुल फॉर्म
चुनाव उड़न दस्ता
Example
During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, an EFK team raided a guest house in Gujarat and seized ₹50 lakh in unaccounted cash along with election material without proper vouchers.