Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed as India’s 26th Chief Election Commissioner, marking a significant step in the country’s electoral governance. With a career spanning various high-level administrative roles, including serving as the Secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and the Ministry of Cooperation, Kumar brings a wealth of experience to the Election Commission. His appointment follows the retirement of Rajiv Kumar, the former CEC. Kumar’s expertise in public administration and governance positions him as a key figure to uphold the integrity and transparency of the electoral process in India. As the new Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections, reinforcing India’s democratic values for years to come.
Gyanesh Kumar Appointed as India’s 26th Chief Election Commissioner
On February 19, 2025, Gyanesh Kumar, a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Kerala cadre, assumed office as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India. His appointment follows the retirement of Rajiv Kumar, who served as CEC from May 2022 to February 2025.
Background and Career
Born on January 27, 1964, in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Gyanesh Kumar completed his B.Tech in Civil Engineering from IIT Kanpur. He furthered his education with a postgraduate degree in Economics from Harvard University. Throughout his distinguished career, Kumar held several significant positions,
including:
Parliamentary Affairs Secretary: He served as the Secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs,
playing a pivotal role in legislative processes.
Cooperation Secretary: As the Secretary in the Ministry of Cooperation, he was instrumental in
the enactment of the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) (Amendment) Act, 2023, and the formation
of national cooperative bodies such as Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL), National Cooperative
Organics Limited (NCOL), and National Cooperative Export Limited (NCEL).
Additional Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs: During his tenure, he oversaw critical
initiatives, including the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
Appointment as Election Commissioner
On March 14, 2024, Gyanesh Kumar was appointed as an Election Commissioner by a high-powered panel chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This appointment filled the vacancies left by the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey and the resignation of Arun Goel. His extensive experience in public administration and governance positioned him as a suitable candidate for this esteemed role.
Role as Chief Election Commissioner
As the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar is responsible for overseeing the conduct of
free and fair elections in India. His leadership is expected to bring a wealth of experience to the Election Commission,
ensuring the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.
Gyanesh Kumar’s appointment marks a significant milestone in India’s electoral history, reflecting a commitment to
uphold democratic values and strengthen the electoral framework.