JAMMU — The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Tuesday appointed former IAS officer Shantmanu as the new State Election Commissioner (SEC) of the Union Territory.
Shantmanu replaces B R Sharma, who completed his tenure after serving in the post since July 20, 2023.
According to an official notification issued by Commissioner-Secretary M Raju, the appointment was made by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha under sub-section (3) of Section 36 of the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989.
A 1991-batch AGMUT cadre officer, Shantmanu recently retired as Additional Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner in Jammu and Kashmir.
His term as State Election Commissioner will be for five years or until he attains the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier, and will take effect from the date he assumes charge, the notification said, adding that the terms and conditions of his appointment will be notified separately.
The appointment is expected to pave the way for panchayat and local body elections in the Union Territory.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had on Monday said the government was making necessary arrangements to hold the polls at the earliest, but the vacancy of the SEC was a hurdle.
Under the J&K Panchayati Raj Act and relevant municipal laws, the State Election Commission is responsible for preparation of electoral rolls and conduct of local body elections. — (PTI)