Sanjay Kumar Srivastava new Delhi poll commissioner

Former Delhi chief secretary Sanjay Kumar Srivastava, a 1980 batch IAS officer, has been appointed as the state’s new election commissioner. He will succeed Rakesh Mehta, a 1975 batch IAS officer, as the new UT state election commissioner. Mr Mehta will retire on November 28. Mr Srivastava will be holding the office of the state election commission (SEC) for a period of six years from the date on which he assumes the new charge.

The SEC in Delhi conducts MCD polls in the national capital and Chandigarh while the Election Commission of India is responsible for the Assembly elections. Mr Srivastava is presently posted as the secretary-coordination, at the Cabinet Secretariat. He is also handling the additional charge as chairperson of National Authority for Chemicals Weapons Convention.

A notification issued to this effect said: “The lieutenant-governor of the National Capital Territory of Delhi is pleased to appoint Sanjay Kumar Srivastava, IAS, as election commissioner in the Election Commission of the NCT of Delhi on November 28 for the superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls for and conduct of all elections to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.”

“Sanjay Kumar Srivastava will hold the office for a term of six year from the date on which he assumes charge of this office or till he attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier, as provided under Rule 4 of the Election Commission of NCT of Delhi (condition of service and tenure of office) Rules 1993 as amended from time to time made under the said Act,” the notification said.

The SEC is currently busy in finalising a draft report on delimitation of municipal wards for the coming civic polls next year. A source said that draft report is at a final stage and is expected to be finalised very soon. The draft has been put up in public domain for suggestions and objections. A total of 650 objections had been received by the Commission which will take at least a month to finalise the delimitation exercise. The municipal poll of 2017 is all set to witness a major contest between the three big political parties — AAP, BJP, and Congress.