In July 2022, who was appointed as the deputy election commissioner of India?

Correct option is A

• R K Gupta was appointed as the Deputy Election Commissioner of India in July 2022.

• His role as Deputy Election Commissioner involved assisting the Election Commission in conducting free and fair elections across India. The Election Commission of India is responsible for overseeing elections at various levels, including the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, state assemblies, and local elections.

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a constitutional body responsible for administering elections in the country. It was established on 25th January 1950, under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.

• The ECI is tasked with ensuring the conduct of free and fair elections in India at various levels (national, state, and local).

• Composition: Initially, the Election Commission had only a single Election Commissioner. However, in 1993, the provision was changed, and the Election Commission was made a multi-member body, typically comprising three members: the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners.

• Appointment: The President of India appoints the Election Commissioners. The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners enjoy the same status and receive similar pay and privileges. They serve a fixed term of 6 years or until they reach the age of 65, whichever comes first.

• Responsibilities:

  • Conducting elections: The ECI ensures that elections to the Lok Sabha (lower house), Rajya Sabha (upper house), state legislative assemblies, president and vice-president elections are conducted according to the rules.

  • Supervising electoral rolls: The ECI supervises and monitors the electoral rolls, ensuring they are updated regularly.

  • Recognition of political parties: The Election Commission is empowered to recognize political parties and allot symbols to them.

• Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu assumed charge as Election Commissioners of India on 15th March 2024. They were appointed to strengthen the Election Commission’s role in administering fair and transparent elections across the country.

  • Shri Gyanesh Kumar has a rich background in administrative roles and is known for his efficient handling of administrative affairs.

  • Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, with his experience in governance, was appointed to the position to enhance the Commission's effectiveness and its technological capabilities in election management.

• The ECI introduced the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) in 1990, revolutionizing the way elections are conducted in India.

• The Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system was introduced in 2013 to ensure the transparency of EVM voting.

• The ECI also set up the National Voters’ Services Portal (NVSP) to make voter registration, verification, and election-related services available online.