1. The Prime Minister-led committee will meet on March 14 to finalize the appointment of two new election commissioners.
2. Vacancies occurred due to Arun Goel’s resignation on March 8 and Anup Chandra Pandey’s retirement on February 14.
3. The meeting aims to address the staffing gaps within the Election Commission.
New Delhi, March 14: The high-powered committee chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will convene on Thursday, March 14, to finalize the appointment of two new election commissioners. The vacancies arose after the resignation of Arun Goel on March 8 and the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey on February 14.
Preparation by the Search Committee
A search committee, led by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, convened on Wednesday evening to compile a list of five potential candidates for the election commissioner positions. This panel aims to present a shortlist to the high-powered committee for consideration.
Meeting Details
The meeting will take place at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg (7LKM), with the presence of Adhir Ranjan Choudhary, the leader of Congress in Lok Sabha. Following the selection committee’s recommendation, President Droupadi Murmu will formally appoint the new members to the Election Commission.
Also Read: Panel Led by Ram Nath Kovind Submits ‘One Nation One Election’ Report to President Murmu
Key Updates on PM-Chaired Panel Meet on ECs
- Vacancies and Resignations: The vacancies emerged after Arun Goel’s resignation on March 8 and Anup Chandra Pandey’s retirement on February 14, leaving Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar as the sole member of the poll authority.
- Composition of the Selection Panel: Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads the selection panel, which includes a Union minister and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha.
- Expected Timeline: Reports suggest that the appointment of the two new election commissioners could occur on the same day as the meeting or shortly afterward.
- New Appointment Process: These appointments will be the first made under the new law, which grants the three-member selection panel the authority to appoint individuals not initially shortlisted by the search committee.
- Changes in Appointment Procedure: Previously, election commissioners were appointed by the President based on the government’s recommendation. Traditionally, the most senior commissioner was appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).
- Constitutional Provision: Article 324(2) of the Constitution dictates that the Election Commission shall consist of the CEC and additional election commissioners as determined by the President. Initially, the commission comprised only a CEC but now includes the CEC and two election commissioners.
