25th CEC of India Shri Rajiv Kumar Steps Down from Election Commission
ECONOMY & POLICY

25th CEC of India Shri Rajiv Kumar Steps Down from Election Commission

The Election Commission of India (ECI) bid farewell to Shri Rajiv Kumar, who will demit office as the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on February 18, 2025. Shri Kumar joined the ECI as Election Commissioner on September 1, 2020, and took over as the 25th CEC on May 15, 2022. Over his 4.5-year tenure, he spearheaded significant reforms across structural, technological, capacity development, communication, international cooperation, and administrative domains. Shri Kumar successfully oversaw one full electoral cycle, including elections in 31 states/UTs, the 2022 Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and Rajya Sabha renewals—an extraordinary feat in electoral management. The elections were conducted smoothly with minimal repolls and no significant violence. 

In his farewell speech, Shri Kumar expressed gratitude to the 15 million polling officials for their dedication to upholding democratic values. He reaffirmed that India’s democratic integrity remains strong despite baseless attacks on its institutions. A proponent of technology, Shri Kumar emphasised the importance of strengthening election processes while safeguarding against cyber threats and misinformation on social media. He commended voters, particularly women, for their enthusiastic participation and highlighted the increasing inclusivity of the electoral process. 

Election Commissioners Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu praised Shri Kumar’s transformative and inclusive leadership, which enhanced India’s electoral processes and elevated the country’s standing in global election management. 

Shri Kumar’s tenure was marked by several groundbreaking reforms, including the introduction of four qualifying dates for voter registration, simplifying registration forms, and conducting a delimitation exercise in Assam. He also worked to ensure that polling personnel could vote at Voter Facilitation Centres, thereby preventing intimidation and delays. 

Shri Kumar advocated for technology-driven reforms that improved efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in elections. Under his leadership, ERONET 2.0 enhanced voter roll management and ensured secure, real-time application processing. He also launched initiatives to combat misinformation, including a myth vs. reality register during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. 

Shri Kumar’s contributions were not only systemic but also deeply human. He led by example, advocating for marginalised groups such as PVTGs and third genders and personally reaching out to over 250,000 centenarian voters. He also encouraged greater youth and urban voter participation by establishing polling stations in high-rise societies. 

A passionate trekker, Shri Kumar explored remote polling stations to understand the challenges faced by polling personnel, inspiring innovations like specially designed EVM carry bags for tough terrains. His leadership was characterised by a unique blend of personal dedication and poetic expression, often using shayari to engage the public and reinforce trust in the electoral process. A lover of classical music and meditation, Shri Kumar leaves behind a legacy that combines global leadership with a deep respect for India’s democratic spirit.  

(PIB)             

The Election Commission of India (ECI) bid farewell to Shri Rajiv Kumar, who will demit office as the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on February 18, 2025. Shri Kumar joined the ECI as Election Commissioner on September 1, 2020, and took over as the 25th CEC on May 15, 2022. Over his 4.5-year tenure, he spearheaded significant reforms across structural, technological, capacity development, communication, international cooperation, and administrative domains. Shri Kumar successfully oversaw one full electoral cycle, including elections in 31 states/UTs, the 2022 Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and Rajya Sabha renewals—an extraordinary feat in electoral management. The elections were conducted smoothly with minimal repolls and no significant violence. In his farewell speech, Shri Kumar expressed gratitude to the 15 million polling officials for their dedication to upholding democratic values. He reaffirmed that India’s democratic integrity remains strong despite baseless attacks on its institutions. A proponent of technology, Shri Kumar emphasised the importance of strengthening election processes while safeguarding against cyber threats and misinformation on social media. He commended voters, particularly women, for their enthusiastic participation and highlighted the increasing inclusivity of the electoral process. Election Commissioners Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu praised Shri Kumar’s transformative and inclusive leadership, which enhanced India’s electoral processes and elevated the country’s standing in global election management. Shri Kumar’s tenure was marked by several groundbreaking reforms, including the introduction of four qualifying dates for voter registration, simplifying registration forms, and conducting a delimitation exercise in Assam. He also worked to ensure that polling personnel could vote at Voter Facilitation Centres, thereby preventing intimidation and delays. Shri Kumar advocated for technology-driven reforms that improved efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in elections. Under his leadership, ERONET 2.0 enhanced voter roll management and ensured secure, real-time application processing. He also launched initiatives to combat misinformation, including a myth vs. reality register during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Shri Kumar’s contributions were not only systemic but also deeply human. He led by example, advocating for marginalised groups such as PVTGs and third genders and personally reaching out to over 250,000 centenarian voters. He also encouraged greater youth and urban voter participation by establishing polling stations in high-rise societies. A passionate trekker, Shri Kumar explored remote polling stations to understand the challenges faced by polling personnel, inspiring innovations like specially designed EVM carry bags for tough terrains. His leadership was characterised by a unique blend of personal dedication and poetic expression, often using shayari to engage the public and reinforce trust in the electoral process. A lover of classical music and meditation, Shri Kumar leaves behind a legacy that combines global leadership with a deep respect for India’s democratic spirit.  (PIB)             

Next Story
Building Material

Global Research Gathers in Panama to Accelerate Sustainable Concrete

The Innovandi Global Cement and Concrete Research Network (GCCRN) is convening its Spring Week from March 17 to 21, 2025, in Panama City. This pivotal event unites hundreds of delegates from more than 40 academic institutions and more than 30 industrial members worldwide to advance research and innovation in sustainable cement and concrete technologies. The primary focus of the gathering is to foster actionable research aimed at driving decarbonisation in the cement and concrete industry to achieve net-zero concrete by 2050. Davide Zampini, GCCRN Industrial Chair and Vice President of Global ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Signature Global Sets the Foundation for Titanium SPR with Bhoomi Pujan

Signature Global (India), one of India's leading real estate developers, held the Bhoomi Pujan for its premium residential project, Titanium SPR, in Sector 71, Gurugram, marking a key step in its development. The Bhoomi Pujan, a traditional ceremony symbolising a positive and prosperous start, was attended by key stakeholders and company representatives. It showcased Signature Global’s commitment to delivering high-quality homes while reinforcing its vision for modern, well-planned, and sustainable living spaces. On this occasion, Lalit Kumar Aggarwal, Co-founder & Vice Chairman, Signature ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Nitin Gadkari Inaugurates Butibori and Hingna Facility in Nagpur

GMMCO India, a CK Birla company, announced the inauguration of its fully operational service and supply hubs at Butibori and Hingna, Nagpur. These integrated facilities feature world-class repair, rebuild, and parts distribution hubs, playing a crucial role in supporting customers across India, with a focus on Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Goa. The facilities were inaugurated by Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India. Spread across 14 acres, the Butibori and Hingna facilities are strategically positioned to provide advanced service infr..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?