With the tenure of Haryana’s State Election Commissioner Dhanpat Singh (Retd. IAS:1985:HY) set to end on April 9, 2025, lobbying has intensified among senior IAS officers eyeing the prestigious position. As per existing rules, only a serving IAS officer of at least Principal Secretary rank or a retired High Court Judge is eligible for the role.
Dhanpat Singh was appointed in April 2021 by the then BJP-led government under Manohar Lal Khattar. The position carries a five-year term or lasts until the age of 65, whichever is earlier. Since Singh was born on April 10, 1960, his tenure is set to conclude a year short of the full term.
Before assuming office, he retired in April 2020 as Additional Chief Secretary and Finance Commissioner in the Revenue and Disaster Management and Consolidation Department. The State Election Commission is responsible for overseeing Panchayati Raj and municipal elections, ensuring they are conducted independently of the state government.
Despite the significance of the post, Haryana does not invite open applications. Instead, the Chief Minister forwards a recommended name to the Governor for approval, with the appointment formalized through a notification issued by the Chief Secretary.
With the deadline fast approaching, all eyes are on the state government’s choice for the next State Election Commissioner.
