Arun Goel, Retired IAS Officer Takes Charge As Election Commissioner Of India

Arun Goel, a former bureaucrat, began serving as an election commissioner on Monday, two days after being appointed. After Sushil Chandra retired from his position as chief election commissioner in May 2022, the Election Commission of India (ECI), which consists of three members, was left without a commissioner. Anup Chandra Pandey is the other election commissioner, and Rajiv Kumar succeeded Chandra.

In a statement, ECI stated that Kumar, who is in Nepal as an observer for their ongoing national elections, contacted and congratulated Goel. Kumar further stated that Goel's extensive and varied administrative experience will support the commission's efforts to make the election process more inclusive, accessible, and participatory.

On December 31, Goel, an Indian Administrative Service officer from the Punjab cadre and class of 1985, was scheduled to retire. However, on November 18, he officially began his voluntary retirement. After Kumar's term finishes in February 2025, Goel will be in position to succeed him as the chief election commissioner.

Shri Arun Goel assumes charge as new Election Commissioner of India.#ECI @ECISVEEP @SpokespersonECI @MyGovNagaland pic.twitter.com/K0yoH1yylH

— CEO Nagaland (@ceonagaland) November 21, 2022