The government on Friday appointed former finance secretary Rajiv Kumar as the new election commissioner in place of Ashok Lavasa who had resigned with effect from August 31.
“In pursuance of clause (2) of article 324 of the Constitution, the president is pleased to appoint Shri Rajiv Kumar, (IAS retired) as the election commissioner with effect from the date he assumes the office vice Shri Ashok Lavasa, election commissioner who has resigned with effect August 31,” said a notification issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice.
A 1984-batch Indian Administrative Service officer from Jharkhand cadre, Kumar has more than three decades of experience in public policy and administration. Before joining the finance ministry, he was the establishment officer in the Department of Personnel and Training.
Kumar’s appointment comes at a time when the election commission is preparing to hold Bihar assembly polls amid the coronavirus pandemic.