New Delhi: In key administrative developments, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has appointed former IAS officer Shantmanu as the State Election Commissioner (SEC) of the Union Territory, while the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has extended the central deputation tenure of IAS officer Prabhat Kumar in Jharkhand.
The orders were issued on February 17, 2026.
Shantmanu Takes Over as J&K State Election Commissioner
The Jammu and Kashmir administration appointed Shantmanu (IAS:1991:AGMUT) as the new State Election Commissioner (SEC) of the Union Territory. He succeeds B R Sharma, who completed his tenure after serving in the post since July 20, 2023.
The appointment was approved by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha under sub-section (3) of Section 36 of the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989.
Role of the State Election Commission
Under the statutory framework governing local bodies in Jammu and Kashmir, the State Election Commission is responsible for:
- Preparation and revision of electoral rolls
- Conducting elections to Panchayati Raj institutions
- Supervising elections to municipal bodies
Shantmanu’s appointment ensures continuity in overseeing grassroots democratic processes in the Union Territory.
Personal Profile of Shantmanu
- Date of Birth: December 28, 1965
- Domicile: Bihar
- Education: Alumnus of Hansraj College, University of Delhi
- Languages: English and Hindi
He superannuated from active IAS service on December 31, 2025, prior to taking up the new constitutional assignment. He will serve for five years or until attaining the age of 70, as per applicable provisions.
Key Career Highlights
Over his career, Shantmanu held several senior positions in both Jammu and Kashmir and at the Centre, including:
- Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Higher Education Department, J&K
- Administrative Secretary, Information Technology Department (additional charge)
- Secretary, Inter-State Council Secretariat under the Ministry of Home Affairs
- Additional Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
- Chief Vigilance Officer, National Textiles Corporation Ltd
- Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Jammu and Kashmir (from June 2015)
- Commissioner/Secretary, Forest Department (2009)
He is noted for contributions to digital governance and strengthening higher education infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.
Prabhat Kumar Gets Extension as Director of Census Operations & Citizen Registration, Jharkhand
In a separate development, the ACC has approved the extension of central deputation tenure of Prabhat Kumar (IAS:2011:JH) as Director of Census Operations (DCO) and Director of Citizen Registration (DCR), Jharkhand.
According to the order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), his deputation has been extended until October 9, 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Tenure Details
- Assumed charge: October 10, 2022
- Initially scheduled tenure: Up to December 31, 2025
- Extended to: March 31, 2026
- Latest extension: Up to October 9, 2027
With the latest approval, his total central deputation will complete a full five-year term ending in October 2027.
Continuity in Electoral and Census Administration
The appointments and tenure extension underscore the emphasis on administrative continuity in critical governance areas — local body elections in Jammu and Kashmir and census and citizen registration operations in Jharkhand.
Both roles are pivotal for democratic processes and population data management, particularly amid evolving administrative and electoral requirements.
