Rajeev Kumar replaces Ashok Lavasa as Election Commissioner

Ashok Lavasa's premature exit — a second in the Election Commission’s history — puts his colleague Sushil Chandra next in the line of succession.

Retired IAS officer Rajeev Kumar took charge as Election Commissioner today. (ANI)

Former Union finance secretary and retired IAS officer Rajiv Kumar took over as the new election commissioner on Tuesday.

Kumar, a 1984-batch officer of the Jharkhand cadre, replaced Ashok Lavasa, who resigned from the post earlier this month to join the Asian Development Bank as a vice-president. Lavasa’s premature exit — a second in the Election Commission’s history — puts his colleague Sushil Chandra next in line for the post of Chief Election Commissioner.

Prior to taking charge as election commissioner, Kumar was the chairman of the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB). He has more than 30 years of experience in public policy and administration in several sectors. The former IAS officer holds BSc and LLB degrees, along with Masters in Public Policy and Sustainability.

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“He has keen commitment to use of technology applications and to bring about amendments in extant policy regime towards greater transparency, delivery of services to citizens directly, eliminating intermediaries,” an Election Commission statement said.

If Kumar completes his 6-year tenure, he is expected to oversee the next general election in 2024 as chief election commissioner.

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