Gyanesh Kumar, Sukhbir Singh Sandhu 2 new Election Commissioners

New Delhi, Mar 14: Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu have been chosen to fill the two vacant positions on the top panel of the Election Commission of India.

The decision was reached after a committee meeting, necessitated by the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey in February and Arun Goel's recent resignation.

Congress leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury disclosed to the media that he was part of the selection panel chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The committee convened to nominate two Election Commissioners to assist Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar as preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections unfold.

Expressing concerns over the inclusion of a Union Minister in the selection process instead of the Chief Justice of India, Chowdhury criticised the law introduced last year, asserting that it reduced the committee's role to a mere formality.

He highlighted the government's dominance on the panel, suggesting that their preferences ultimately prevail.

The Congress leader lamented the lack of time for a thorough examination of the 212 names presented to him for consideration, noting that he received the shortlist of six candidates only 10 minutes before the meeting.

Despite his efforts to bolster the institution by seeking a manageable list, he expressed scepticism about the fairness of the selection process.

Chowdhury reiterated his dissent by questioning the selection procedure and referencing Arun Goel's swift departure from the Election Commission, citing the Supreme Court’s previous remarks regarding his appointment.

WHO IS SUKHBIR SINGH SANDHU?

Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, a seasoned bureaucrat with a distinguished career spanning over two decades, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.

Graduating from Government Medical College, Amritsar, with an MBBS degree, Sandhu’s academic journey reflects his diverse interests and commitment to learning.

Additionally, he holds a Master's Degree in History from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, showcasing his multifaceted intellectual pursuits.

Reports indicate that he has also pursued legal studies, further enriching his knowledge base.
Sandhu’s illustrious career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) began in 1998, where he served in various capacities across different domains.

Notably, he held the prestigious position of Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand, demonstrating his leadership acumen and administrative prowess in managing complex governance challenges.

Before his tenure in Uttarakhand, Sandhu made significant contributions in the realm of education as the Additional Secretary in the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development.

His stint as the Chairman of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) underscored his strategic vision and operational efficiency in spearheading critical infrastructure projects of national importance.

Throughout his career, Sandhu has been recognised for his exemplary service and dedication to public welfare.

He was honoured with the President's Medal for his outstanding contributions as Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation in Ludhiana, Punjab.

Additionally, his invaluable efforts during the Census of India were acknowledged with the prestigious 2001 President of India Medal, a testament to his commitment to national service and excellence in governance.

WHO IS GYANESH KUMAR?

Gyanesh Kumar, a retired 1988-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, has held significant roles in various governmental departments throughout his career.

Notably, he served as Secretary in the Ministry of Cooperation under the leadership of Amit Shah.
Before this, Kumar served as the Secretary at the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, contributing to the smooth functioning of the legislative processes.

During his tenure at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Kumar played a pivotal role in establishing the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust.

Additionally, his responsibilities extended to overseeing the Jammu and Kashmir Desk at MHA.
Kumar's extensive experience and expertise in administrative affairs have earned him recognition and respect within bureaucratic circles.

His contributions have left a lasting impact on various aspects of governance and policy implementation.