The State Election Commission
The State Election Commission
Why in the News:
The Governor of Rajasthan, Shri Haribhau Kisanrao Bagade, has appointed former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Dr. Rajeshwar Singh as the new State Election Commissioner.
About the State Election Commission:
- The State Election Commission is a constitutional body established under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. These amendments introduced provisions for the commission in Articles 243K and 243ZA of the Constitution, respectively.
- The Rajasthan State Election Commission was established on July 1, 1994, as a single-member body.
- The State Election Commissioner heads the commission.
- The commission conducted the first local body elections in 1995.
Qualifications for the State Election Commissioner:
- The State Election Commissioner must be a retired officer of the Indian Administrative Service with a minimum of five years of service experience as a Principal Secretary.
Appointment:
- The Governor appoints the State Election Commissioner based on the recommendation of the State Council of Ministers.
Tenure and Removal :
- The commissioner holds office for a term of five years or until they reach the age of 65, whichever comes first.
- The State Election Commissioner can resign by submitting their resignation to the Governor.
- The procedure for removing the State Election Commissioner is similar to that of a High Court judge, and they can be removed from office on the grounds of misbehaviour or incapacity.
Functions of the State Election Commission:
- Conducting elections for local bodies (urban local bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions) in the state.
- The commission is responsible for the planning, conduct, supervision, direction, and control of elections.
- Updating the electoral rolls.
- Enforcing the Model Code of Conduct during elections.
- Submitting an annual report to the Governor.