In a significant development, the Election Commission of India has appointed IAS officer Vinod Kumar Gunjiyal (IAS:2007:BH) as the new Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar. He succeeds HR Srinivasa (IAS:1996:BH) and will lead the state’s election machinery for the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for October-November 2025.
The Bihar government had submitted a panel of three IAS officers, from which the Election Commission selected Gunjiyal for the crucial role.
Incumbent CEO HR Srinivasa has been serving since May 2018, when he succeeded Ajay V Nayak (IAS:1984:BH) after his retirement.
Gunjiyal, a Mechanical Engineering graduate, brings extensive administrative experience to his new role. Throughout his career, he has held several key positions within the Bihar government, demonstrating versatility and commitment to public service. Notably, he served as Secretary of the Prohibition, Excise & Registration Department, where he played a key role in strengthening regulatory frameworks and enhancing departmental efficiency.
He has also made significant contributions to the state’s livestock and fisheries sectors, having served as Director of both the Animal Husbandry Department and the Fisheries Directorate.
