List of Chief Election Commissioner of India (1950-2024)

The role of the Chief Election Commissioner of India holds significant constitutional authority, making it an essential topic in the polity section of the UPSC Syllabus. It is also crucial for candidates preparing for competitive government exams such as SSC and Banking. This article aims to provide a detailed list of Chief Election Commissioners of India, offering valuable insights for aspirants seeking to broaden their understanding in this specialized area.

New Election Commissioners

India’s electoral administration recently saw a significant development with the appointment of Sukhbir Singh Sandhu from Punjab and Gyanesh Kumar from Kerala as the new Election Commissioners. This decision was made by a panel chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The information was disclosed by Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on March 14, 2024. The vacancies in the Election Commission arose due to the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey on February 14, 2024, and the unexpected resignation of Arun Goel on March 8, 2024, which was formally announced on March 9, 2024.

Chief Election Commissioner of India

The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) heads the Election Commission of India and is appointed by the President of India. The CEC serves a term of six years or until reaching the age of 65, whichever comes first. Typically, the CEC is a member of the Indian Civil Service, often from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). According to the Election Commission (Condition Of Service Of Election Commissions And Transaction Of Business) Act, 1991, the CEC’s salary is equivalent to that of a Judge of the Supreme Court of India, currently set at ₹250,000 per month. Removing the CEC is a challenging process, requiring two-thirds of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members to vote against them for misconduct or improper actions.

List of Chief Election Commissioners of India

The Chief Election Commissioner leads the Election Commission of India. This group manages elections across India, including for the President and Vice President. The Indian Constitution outlines what the Election Commission can do. The President chooses the Chief Election Commissioner, and they can only be removed by a special vote in Parliament.

List of Chief Election Commissioners of India

Sukumar Sen was the first Chief Election Commissioner of India. He served as the Chief Election Commissioner of India from 21 March 1950 to 19 December 1958. Below is a comprehensive list of all Chief Election Commissioners of India from 1950 to 2023.

Election Commission of India

Before October 1989, the Election Commission consisted of only one member. However, a law passed by Parliament resulted in the addition of two more Election Commissioners. As a result, the Election Commission now comprises a Chief Election Commissioner and two other Election Commissioners. Decisions of the commission are made through voting, with the majority determining the outcome.

List of All Election Commissioners of India

In 1950, the Election Commission initially had only one Chief Election Commissioner. However, on October 16, 1989, two additional Commissioners were appointed for the first time. Unfortunately, they did not fully adapt to their roles, leading to the President revoking their positions on January 1, 1990. Subsequently, on October 1, 1993, the government reconstituted the Election Commission as a 3-member group through the Election Commissioner Amendment Act of 1989. Since then, decisions have been made by a majority vote. Furthermore, the official website of the commission was launched on February 28, 1998.

Organizational structure of the Election Commission of India

A detailed organizational Structure of the Office of Election Commission of India has been discussed below-

• Chief Election Commissioner (CEC): Leads the Election Commission of India.
• Election Commissioners (ECs): Assist the CEC in decision-making.
• Deputy Election Commissioners: Responsible for various election management tasks.
• Assistant Election Commissioners: Support the Deputy Election Commissioners.
• Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs): Head regional offices in each state and union territory, overseeing election activities.
• Electoral Registration Officers (EROs): Maintain and update voter rolls at the local level.
• Booth Level Officers (BLOs): Assist in voter registration and polling-related tasks at the grassroots level.

The organizational structure is designed to ensure the efficient conduct of elections and uphold electoral integrity nationwide.

Important Facts about Chief Election Commissioner of India?

• V.S Ramadevi achieved the historic feat of becoming the first woman to serve as the Chief Election Commissioner of India.
• Sukumar Sen holds the distinction of being the first Chief Election Commissioner of India.
• Unlike the Chief Election Commissioner, who is appointed by the President, the State Election Commissioner is appointed by the Governor.
• Key Articles of the Indian Constitution regarding the Election Commission include Article 324, Article 325, Article 326, Article 327, Article 328, and Article 329.

Current Election Commissioner of India

The Rajya Sabha should formally present and vote on allegations of disorderly behaviour or improper actions against an individual. Rajiv Kumar assumes the position following Shri Sushil Chandra, who served as India’s 24th Election Commissioner from April 13, 2021, to May 14, 2022, as per a statement by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice on May 12, 2022.

Born on February 19, 1960, Rajiv Kumar brings over 35 years of experience across various Ministries at both State and Central levels, with a focus on the Social Sector, Environment, Human Resources, Finance, and more. His educational background encompasses multiple degrees, including B.Sc., PGDM, LL.B., and an MA in Public Policy and Sustainability.

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