Gyanesh Kumar appointed 26th Chief Election Commissioner | India News

India appoints New Chief Election Commissioner

Gyanesh Kumar, a seasoned IAS officer from the 1988 Kerala cadre, has been appointed as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India.The announcement came on monday, with Kumar succeeding Rajiv Kumar, whose tenure ends on February 18.

Kumar’s appointment was made by a panel comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok sabha, Rahul Gandhi. Before assuming his new role, Kumar served as secretary in the Ministry of Cooperation under Amit Shah. He played a significant role in establishing the shri Ram Janmabhoomi teertha Kshetra Trust and was in charge of the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) desk at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) during the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

Kumar’s tenure as CEC is set to conclude on January 26, 2029.

How will teh ECI leverage technology to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the electoral process during your tenure?

Archyde Exclusive: Gyanesh Kumar, India’s New Chief Election Commissioner

In an exclusive interview with Archyde, Gyanesh Kumar, the newly appointed 26th Chief Election Commissioner of India, shares his vision for the democratic process and addresses key challenges ahead.

Welcome, Mr. Kumar. Your appointment comes at a critical juncture in India’s electoral landscape. What are your top priorities as the new CEC?

Gyanesh Kumar: Thank you for having me. Indeed, the duty is immense, and I’m committed to upholding the sanctity of our elections. My top priorities include ensuring free, fair, and inclusive elections; enhancing voter turnout, especially among youth and age-old voters; and leveraging technology to make the process more efficient and clear.

You’ve played a significant role in shaping significant policy changes, such as the abrogation of Article 370. How will your diverse experiences inform your tenure as CEC?

Gyanesh Kumar: My diverse experiences, from Jammu and Kashmir to the Ministry of Cooperation, have indeed given me a unique viewpoint. I believe this will help me understand and address the diverse needs of voters across India. As CEC, I’ll bring a problem-solving approach, coupled with a deep understanding of ground realities, to ensure our elections are robust and credible.

Election Commission of India (ECI) has been at the forefront of implementing electoral reforms. Are there any specific initiatives you’d like to spearhead during your tenure?

Gyanesh Kumar: Several initiatives are already underway, including voter verification using Aadhaar, EVM and VVPAT use, and law enforcement during election periods.I’d like to build on these and explore more voter-friendly measures like optional online voter registration, voter helplines, and accessible polling stations. Additionally, I’d emphasize voter education to combat misinformation and apathy.

Challenges like Fake News, hate speech, and voter intimidation have impacted elections globally. How will ECI tackle these modern issues?

Gyanesh Kumar: These challenges require multi-pronged solutions. We’ll work closely with social media platforms to monitor and control misinformation. We’re also pushing for stricter enforcement of the Model Code of conduct during elections, including immediate action against anyone attempting to spread fake news or intimidate voters. Heightened voter awareness will also play a crucial role in combating these issues.

Looking ahead, what message would you like to share with the Indian electorate?

Gyanesh Kumar: I would like to reassure voters that their rights will be protected, and their choices respected. I encourage everyone to participate actively in our democratic process, register to vote, and become ambassadors of fair elections in your communities.Together, we can ensure that every vote counts, and every voice is heard.

Thank you for your insights, Mr. kumar.We look forward to your leadership at the helm of the ECI.