The Election Commission of India (ECI) bid farewell to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar on Monday, ahead of his demission of office on Tuesday, February 18.
Kumar’s tenure, which began on September 1, 2020, as Election Commissioner, reached its peak on May 15, 2022, when he took office as the 25th Chief Election Commissioner of India.
Over the course of nearly 4.5 years, his leadership shaped profound reforms within the Commission, from structural changes to technological innovations, all aimed at strengthening India’s electoral process.
A Legacy Of Reform And Efficiency
During his time in office, Rajiv Kumar oversaw a full electoral cycle, which included elections in 31 States/Union Territories, the 2022 Presidential and Vice-Presidential elections, the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and Rajya Sabha renewals.
These elections, notable for their peaceful execution, were conducted with minimal issues, including near-zero repolls and no significant incidents of violence-marking a monumental achievement in electoral management.
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In his farewell address, Kumar expressed gratitude to the 15 million polling officials for their unwavering dedication in upholding the democratic process. He praised the trust of nearly a billion voters, which, he affirmed, remained unshaken despite unwarranted attacks on India’s democratic institutions.
Highlighting his advocacy for technology, Kumar underscored the importance of protecting the electoral process from cyber-attacks and misinformation, while ensuring continued inclusivity, particularly for women voters.
Innovation In Electoral Systems
Under Kumar’s leadership, the Election Commission implemented significant technological reforms.
Notably, he spearheaded the launch of ERONET 2.0, which modernized voter roll management, incorporating multi-layered security for real-time application processing.
Additionally, he championed the operationalization of four qualifying dates for voter registration, simplifying processes for youth and first-time voters.
One of his key initiatives included the creation of a ‘myth vs reality’ register during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to address misinformation on social media.
Another hallmark of Kumar’s tenure was the empowerment of marginalized groups, including Scheduled Tribes and third-gender individuals.
These reforms aimed at not only modernizing election administration but also ensuring that every eligible citizen could participate freely and fairly in the democratic process.
Global Leadership And Advocacy For Democratic Values
Globally, Rajiv Kumar’s tenure at the Election Commission elevated India’s standing in the field of election management. He led initiatives like the ‘Cohort on Election Integrity’, bringing together election officials worldwide to promote shared democratic values.
His advocacy went beyond the institutional framework, contributing to the global conversation on strengthening democratic practices.
Kumar’s leadership was also deeply human. He was known for his personal touch, having written heartfelt letters to over 250,000 centenarian voters to thank them for their contributions to democracy.
Recognizing the role of youth and urban voters, he encouraged greater engagement in the electoral process by establishing polling stations in high-rise societies, addressing the growing apathy among these demographics.
A Commitment To The Human Spirit Of Democracy
Beyond policy reforms and international leadership, Rajiv Kumar’s tenure was defined by his empathy and dedication to making the electoral process more inclusive. He made notable efforts to recognize voters with disabilities, the elderly, and other marginalized groups.
A passionate trekker, Kumar also visited remote polling stations to understand the challenges faced by election personnel, inspiring innovations like specially designed EVM carry bags to ease transportation in tough terrains.
A Fond Farewell
As Rajiv Kumar steps down, his contributions remain deeply ingrained in the electoral system. His leadership not only transformed the Election Commission but also elevated India’s reputation on the global stage.
The Election Commissioners, Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, expressed their gratitude for Kumar’s inclusive and transformative leadership, noting how his reforms strengthened India’s electoral processes and raised the country’s stature in the international community.
Though his time at the Election Commission has come to an end, Rajiv Kumar’s legacy in India’s electoral landscape will continue to influence the future of democratic processes in the country.
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