The government has established a search committee led by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal to shortlist candidates for the position of the next Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), according to sources.
The committee also includes the Finance Secretary and the Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training. This panel will identify suitable candidates for consideration by the selection committee, which will finalize the appointment as per the provisions of the 2023 law governing the CEC and Election Commissioners’ appointments.
A search committee has been established under Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal to identify potential candidates for the position of the next Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), according to sources. This marks the first time the provisions of the “Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023” will be applied for appointing a CEC.
The panel includes the Finance Secretary and the Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training. As per the new law, the committee will shortlist five secretary-level officers for consideration by a selection committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Lok Sabha Opposition Leader, and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
The current CEC, Rajiv Kumar, will retire on February 18 upon reaching the age of 65. Previously, the senior-most Election Commissioner (EC) was elevated to the position of CEC. However, the 2023 law now mandates a structured process for appointments.
Under these provisions, ECs Gyannesh Kumar and SS Sandhu were appointed last year to fill vacancies left by the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey and the resignation of Arun Goel. After Rajiv Kumar’s tenure, Gyannesh Kumar is the senior-most EC, with his term lasting until January 26, 2029.
Sources revealed that the search committee was constituted on January 17 by the Union Law Ministry. It is expected to convene during the Budget Session of Parliament, commencing on January 31.
