Puducherry: Senior IAS officer A.S.P.S. Ravi Prakash (IAS:2011: AGMUT) has assumed charge as the new Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Puducherry, marking a key administrative appointment ahead of future electoral exercises in the Union Territory.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) designated Ravi Prakash as the Chief Electoral Officer of Puducherry through a notification issued on May 26, 2026, following the transfer of the previous CEO, P. Jawahar. The appointment was made in consultation with the Government of Puducherry under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
Subsequently, the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (Personnel Wing), Government of Puducherry, issued a formal government order appointing him to the post. Ravi Prakash officially assumed charge on June 3, 2026.
Appointment Made Under Representation of the People Act
The appointment of Chief Electoral Officers in states and Union Territories is carried out by the Election Commission of India in consultation with the concerned government under the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
Ravi Prakash succeeds P. Jawahar and will be responsible for overseeing electoral administration, voter registration, election preparedness, implementation of Election Commission directives, and coordination of election-related activities across Puducherry.
As Chief Electoral Officer, he will serve as the principal link between the Election Commission of India and the Union Territory administration on all election-related matters.
Who is A.S.P.S. Ravi Prakash?
A.S.P.S. Ravi Prakash is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 2011 batch belonging to the AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories) cadre.
Born on July 25, 1968, Ravi Prakash hails from Andhra Pradesh and possesses a strong academic background in engineering. He completed both his Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) and Master of Engineering (M.E.) degrees in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani.
Before joining the IAS, he served in the State Civil Service and was later inducted into the Indian Administrative Service.
Extensive Administrative Experience
Over a career spanning more than fifteen years in public administration, Ravi Prakash has held several important assignments across departments and administrative sectors.
His experience includes serving in positions such as:
- Secretary to Government
- Secretary
- Director
- Senior administrative roles in multiple government departments
During his tenure, he handled portfolios relating to:
- Information Technology
- Women and Child Development
- Stationery and Printing
- Sainik Welfare
- Freedom Fighters Cell
- General Administration
His varied experience across governance sectors has provided him with extensive exposure to public administration and policy implementation.
Serving as Collector and District Magistrate
Before being appointed Chief Electoral Officer, Ravi Prakash was serving as the District Collector and District Magistrate of Puducherry, a position he assumed on July 1, 2025.
As District Collector, he has been responsible for district administration, revenue management, law and order coordination, implementation of government welfare programmes, and disaster management activities.
His experience in district administration is expected to strengthen electoral management and coordination in his new role as Chief Electoral Officer.
Key Responsibilities as Chief Electoral Officer
As the Chief Electoral Officer of Puducherry, Ravi Prakash will oversee a wide range of election-related functions, including:
- Preparation and revision of electoral rolls
- Voter registration and awareness programmes
- Coordination with election machinery and district officials
- Implementation of Election Commission directives
- Conduct of free and fair elections
- Monitoring election preparedness and logistics
- Ensuring compliance with election laws and regulations
The office plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and transparency of the electoral process in the Union Territory.
Engineering Background and Administrative Leadership
Ravi Prakash’s academic foundation in civil engineering and his long administrative experience have contributed to his reputation as a technically proficient and experienced administrator.
Operating at Pay Level 13 in the IAS pay matrix, he has handled diverse responsibilities across multiple sectors and has developed expertise in governance, public service delivery, and institutional administration.
His appointment as Chief Electoral Officer reflects the Election Commission’s confidence in his administrative capabilities and experience.
Transition in Puducherry’s Electoral Administration
The appointment comes following the transfer of former Chief Electoral Officer P. Jawahar and forms part of the Election Commission’s routine administrative restructuring.
With Ravi Prakash assuming charge, Puducherry’s electoral administration will now function under a senior officer with extensive experience in district governance, policy implementation, and public administration.
His tenure as Chief Electoral Officer will be closely watched as the Union Territory prepares for future electoral exercises and continues efforts to strengthen voter participation and electoral transparency.
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