Tue Feb 18 19:22:03 UTC 2025: ## Gyanesh Kumar Appointed as India’s New Chief Election Commissioner

**New Delhi, February 17:** Gyanesh Kumar, a 1988 batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, has been appointed as India’s new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), the Ministry of Law announced today. He succeeds Rajiv Kumar and will serve until January 26, 2029, overseeing crucial elections including the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections later this year and the 2026 state assembly elections in Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. This appointment marks a significant moment as Kumar is the first CEC appointed under the newly amended law governing the appointment of Election Commissioners.

Vivek Joshi, a 1989 batch IAS officer of the Haryana cadre, has also been appointed as an Election Commissioner. His tenure will extend until 2031. The appointments follow the recent appointment of Sushil Chandra, former chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), as another Election Commissioner.

Kumar’s career includes significant roles within the central government. He played a key role in implementing the revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir while serving in the Ministry of Home Affairs. He also handled crucial documentation related to the Supreme Court case concerning the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. His extensive experience spans various departments including the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, and Ministry of Cooperation. Prior to his government service, Kumar earned a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from IIT Kanpur and pursued further studies in business finance and environmental economics at ICFAI and Harvard University respectively. His state government service includes roles in Kerala, including stints as Assistant District Magistrate, Sub-District Magistrate, and Municipal Commissioner.

The new CEC’s extensive experience and key roles in handling sensitive government matters highlight the significance of his appointment in overseeing the upcoming crucial elections.

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