Election Commissioner Arun Goel stepped down just before the Lok Sabha election in 2024, and President Droupadi Murmu approved his resignation on Saturday. As a result, the Election Commission is now led solely by the Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar, with no other election commissioners.
The President accepted Arun Goel’s resignation in accordance with Section 11(1) of The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, as stated in the gazette notification issued on Saturday.
Election Commissioner Arun Goel Resigns
Election Commissioner Arun Goel resigned ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, expected in April-May. President Droupadi Murmu accepted his resignation. The reason for his resignation is currently unknown.
According to the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, President Murmu accepted Goel’s resignation effective from March 9th, 2024.
With Goel’s departure, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar now holds the responsibility of overseeing the electoral process.
Arun Goel, a former IAS officer from Punjab, began his tenure as Election Commissioner on November 21, 2022. His term was supposed to last until 2027. Previously, Goel served as the Secretary in the Ministry of Heavy Industry.
Sources informed that the Election Commission will announce the dates for the Lok Sabha elections next week.
Who is Arun Goel?
Arun Goel, born on December 7, 1962, in Patiala, Punjab, holds a Master of Science degree in Mathematics. He excelled throughout his academic journey at Punjabi University, earning the Chancellor’s Medal of Excellence for consistently achieving top grades.
During his time as Secretary in the Ministry of Heavy Industry, Goel played a crucial role in promoting the Electric Vehicle (EV) movement in India.
Throughout his career, Goel managed and supervised 41 Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) across the country. He oversaw their operations, disinvestment, closure, revival, restructuring, and liquidation.
In various government positions, he served as Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Vice-Chairman of the Delhi Development Authority, Additional Secretary & Financial Advisor in the Ministry of Labour & Employment, and Joint Secretary in the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
He also served as the District Election Officer for Ludhiana district (1995-2000) and Bathinda district (1993-94), where he efficiently conducted several Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections.
In Punjab, as Principal Secretary, he led the planning of New Chandigarh and other major towns.
What Next for Election Commission After Arun Goel Resignation?
After the President approved the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Elections Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, there will be a significant change in how new election commissioners are chosen.
According to the Bill, a committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will oversee the appointment of election commissioners. This committee will also include the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet minister chosen by the Prime Minister.
Despite facing legal challenges in the Supreme Court, the Bill is currently being implemented without any halt.
With Anup Pandey’s retirement in February and Goel’s resignation, the Election Commission panel now consists of only Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.
Election Commissioner Arun Goel Resigns FAQs
Q.1. Who is Arun Goel and why did he resign?
Ans. Arun Goel is a former Election Commissioner who resigned ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The reason for his resignation remains undisclosed.
Q.2. What was Arun Goel’s role in promoting the Electric Vehicle movement?
Ans. As Secretary in the Ministry of Heavy Industry, Arun Goel played a crucial role in advancing the Electric Vehicle (EV) movement in India.
Q.3. What government positions did Arun Goel hold before becoming Election Commissioner?
Ans. Arun Goel held various government positions including Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Vice-Chairman of the Delhi Development Authority, and Additional Secretary & Financial Advisor in the Ministry of Labour & Employment, among others.
Q.4. What changes are expected in the appointment process for election commissioners?
Ans. The appointment process for election commissioners is expected to change with the implementation of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Elections Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill. A committee led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will oversee these appointments.
Q.5. How many members are currently on the Election Commission panel after Goel’s resignation?
Ans. Following Arun Goel’s resignation, the Election Commission panel now consists of only Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.
