IAS Officer Anindita Mitra Takes Over as Punjab's Chief Electoral Officer
The Election Commission of India made a significant appointment on Thursday. It named 2007-batch IAS officer Anindita Mitra as the new Chief Electoral Officer for Punjab. This move comes just about a year before the state is set to hold its next assembly elections in 2027.
Replacing Sibin C Who Moves to Central Deputation
Mitra replaces 2005-batch IAS officer Sibin C in this crucial role. Sibin C proceeds on central deputation now. He will join as a joint secretary in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The Election Commission issued a formal notification to confirm this appointment.
The notification states that Mitra's appointment is effective immediately from the date she assumes charge. It will remain in place until further orders. The Commission made this decision in consultation with the government of Punjab.
Immediate Assumption of Charge and Clear Instructions
The Election Commission provided clear instructions regarding this transition. Mitra must cease holding any other charges under the Punjab government that she previously held. She should hand over those responsibilities forthwith.
While serving as Punjab's Chief Electoral Officer, Mitra will not hold any additional charges under the state government. The only exception is that she should be designated as secretary to the government in charge of the Election Department within the State Secretariat.
The Commission emphasized the need for immediate action. It directed the Punjab chief secretary to ensure Mitra assumes charge of the CEO office right away. Compliance with this directive must be reported to the Commission within one week.
Background and Selection Process
Before this appointment, Anindita Mitra served as Punjab's education secretary. The Election Commission selected her name from a panel of three IAS officers. The Punjab government had sent this panel to the Commission on July 11 last year.
Outgoing CEO Sibin C's Tenure
Sibin C took over as Punjab's Chief Electoral Officer in February 2023. His tenure lasted nearly three years. During this period, he oversaw several important electoral processes.
He managed the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Punjab. Additionally, he supervised one Lok Sabha by-election, one Rajya Sabha by-election, and seven Vidhan Sabha by-elections. Sibin C is likely to be relieved of his charge as Punjab CEO on Friday.
This leadership change in Punjab's election machinery comes at a critical time. The state prepares for its next major electoral test in 2027. The Election Commission's appointment aims to ensure smooth administration of the upcoming polls.
