Tue Feb 18 06:17:06 UTC 2025: ## Veteran IAS Officer Appointed as Election Commissioner

**New Delhi, February 18, 2025** – Vivek Joshi, a 1989-batch IAS officer from the Haryana cadre, has been appointed as an Election Commissioner, restoring the Election Commission of India (ECI) to its full three-member strength. The appointment was announced by the Law Ministry on Monday, February 17, 2025.

Mr. Joshi, 58, served as Haryana’s chief secretary and held key positions in the central government, including Secretary, Personnel, and Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India. His appointment follows the retirement of former Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. He will serve on the ECI until 2031, potentially becoming Chief Election Commissioner in time for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

The Congress party, however, expressed its objections to the appointment, requesting a postponement until the Supreme Court concludes its hearing on a petition challenging the selection panel’s composition. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi submitted these objections in writing, though he was reportedly absent during the selection committee’s discussion. The selection panel is headed by the Prime Minister. The ECI now comprises Mr. Joshi, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Prakash, and Election Commissioner Sukhbir Singh Sandhu.

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