Patna: In a significant administrative reshuffle ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, the state government has appointed two IAS officers – Amit Kumar Pandey and Prashant Kumar C.H. – as Additional Chief Electoral Officers (ACEO). The move comes as part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the electoral machinery in view of the forthcoming polls scheduled for October–November.
Official Notification Issued by GAD
The General Administration Department (GAD) of Bihar issued a notification on Thursday detailing the appointments. Both officers will continue to hold their previous roles along with the new responsibilities.
Amit Kumar Pandey, currently serving as Director, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), has been given the additional charge of ACEO. He will continue in his existing role at ICDS.
Prashant Kumar C.H., who is the Director of Panchayati Raj, has also been appointed as ACEO. In addition, he will retain his positions as Director, Panchayati Raj and Chief General Manager, Bihar Vikas Mission (under the Cabinet Coordination Department).
Strategic Move Ahead of Bihar Elections
These high-level appointments come at a crucial time, as the Election Commission of India (ECI) ramps up preparations for the 2025 Bihar Assembly polls. Both officers will now support the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in overseeing critical tasks like voter list revision, election logistics, and coordination with district election officers.
The transfers are seen as a step to ensure smooth and impartial conduct of elections in the politically sensitive state.
Voter List Finalization Underway
The ECI is currently conducting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls across Bihar. Door-to-door verification is ongoing, and claims and objections are being invited on the draft voter list.
The final voter list will be published on September 30, 2025, post which the Election Commission is expected to announce the official poll dates.
The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) will come into force immediately after the poll schedule is declared.
Key Election Responsibilities for ACEOs
As Additional Chief Electoral Officers, Amit Kumar Pandey and Prashant Kumar C.H. will assist in–
- Supervising field-level electoral work
- Managing voter awareness and education programs
- Ensuring inter-departmental coordination for election arrangements
- Implementing ECI directives effectively across the state
