New Delhi. According to news agency PTI report, the committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet on March 14 to discuss the appointment of election commissioners. Inside sources have indicated that two election commissioners may be selected by March 15. This development comes after the retirement of Anup Chandra Pandey and unexpected resignation of Arun Goyal, leaving two vacancies in the Election Commission. Goyal’s resignation, which came on March 8, just before the Lok Sabha election schedule was announced, was immediately accepted by President Draupadi Murmu the next day, as confirmed by a Law Ministry notification. With this, Rajeev Kumar is left the only serving member of the Election Commission.
The appointment process of Election Commissioners, including the Chief Election Commissioner and others, is governed by the “Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Terms and Conditions of Service) Act, 2023”, which supersedes the old “Election Commission (Election Commission (Election Commissioners) (Terms and Conditions of Service) Act, 2023”. Supersedes the Conduct of Business) Act, 1991.” Starting the appointment process, a search committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary suggests names. This committee sends five names to the selection committee headed by the Prime Minister for consideration. However, the selection committee retains the option to evaluate additional names beyond the initial five. Thereafter, the Selection Committee presents the shortlisted names to the President for approval, after which the President officially appoints the Election Commissioners. Previously, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) had played a role in this process. It is noteworthy that Election Commissioners get the same status, salary and allowances as the Supreme Court judges.
Starting the appointment process, a search committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary suggests names. This committee sends five names to the selection committee headed by the Prime Minister for consideration. However, the selection committee retains the option to evaluate additional names beyond the initial five. Thereafter, the Selection Committee presents the shortlisted names to the President for approval, after which the President officially appoints the Election Commissioners. Previously, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) had played a role in this process. It is noteworthy that Election Commissioners get the same status, salary and allowances as the Supreme Court judges.