A three-member selection committee, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is set to meet today to choose the successor to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar, a 1984-batch IAS officer of the Jharkhand cadre, who will retire on February 18 upon reaching the age of 65.
The committee comprises:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Chairperson)
- Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi
- A Union Minister nominated by the Prime Minister
Sources suggest that Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is likely to be part of the meeting.
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The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India is the head of the Election Commission of India (ECI), an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the offices of the President and Vice President of India. Appointed by the President of India, the CEC serves a six-year term or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier. The role is crucial in ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections across the country. The CEC is part of a three-member commission, along with two Election Commissioners, and collectively, they oversee the entire electoral process, including the implementation of Model Code of Conduct, election logistics, voter enrollment, and addressing electoral disputes. The position holds immense significance in upholding India’s democratic framework by maintaining the integrity and impartiality of the electoral system.
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