Appointed On 15 May 2022

Rajiv Kumar: India's New Chief Election Commissioner

Appointed on 15 May 2022

Former Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has taken charge as the 25th Chief Election Commissioner of India. He succeeds Sushil Chandra, who retired from the post on 14 May 2022.

Rajiv Kumar's Background

Kumar has been an Election Commissioner since 1 September 2020. Prior to that, he served as the Secretary of the Ministry of Law and Justice. He holds a Master's degree in Physics from the University of Delhi and an LL.B. degree from the University of Lucknow.

Responsibilities of the Election Commission of India

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering elections in India. Its main functions include:

• Conducts free and fair elections
• Registers political parties
• Sets election guidelines
• Resolves election disputes

Conclusion

Rajiv Kumar's appointment as Chief Election Commissioner comes at a critical time in Indian democracy. The country is facing numerous challenges, including political polarization and electoral violence. Kumar's experience and expertise will be vital in ensuring that the upcoming elections are conducted smoothly and fairly.