In a recent development, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led selection committee has chosen two retired IAS officers, Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, as the new election commissioners. The vacancies arose due to the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey on February 14 and the unexpected resignation of Arun Goel on March 8.
The selection committee, comprising the Prime Minister, Opposition leader in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, and Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, convened on Thursday to finalize the appointments. The decision was made after thorough deliberation and consideration of the candidates’ qualifications and experience.
Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, a retired 1998-batch IAS officer, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as the chief secretary of Uttarakhand. His tenure as the top bureaucrat coincided with Pushkar Singh Dhami’s appointment as Chief Minister in 2021. Sandhu has also held significant positions such as Chairman of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and additional secretary in the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resources Development. With a diverse educational background, including a medical degree and a Master’s in History, Sandhu is well-equipped for his new responsibilities.
Gyanesh Kumar, a retired 1988-batch Kerala-cadre IAS officer, brings his extensive administrative experience to the Election Commission. He previously served as the secretary in the ministry of cooperation under the leadership of Amit Shah. Kumar’s portfolio includes serving as secretary at the ministry of parliamentary affairs. His retirement from service on January 31, 2024, marked the culmination of a distinguished career dedicated to public service.
The appointment of Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as election commissioners underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process. Their vast experience and expertise in governance will contribute significantly to the functioning of the Election Commission, which plays a crucial role in upholding the democratic principles of the nation.
The newly-appointed election commissioners will be entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing electoral processes, ensuring free and fair elections across the country. Their appointment comes at a pivotal time, with several important state elections on the horizon. The Election Commission will undoubtedly benefit from their leadership and guidance in navigating the complex electoral landscape of India.
Overall, the selection of Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu as election commissioners reflects the government’s emphasis on meritocracy and competence in key appointments. As they assume their new roles, they carry the weight of upholding the integrity of Bharat’s democratic institutions and safeguarding the electoral rights of its citizens.
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