Rajiv Kumar appointed new Election Commissioner, will replace Ashok Lavasa on August 31

Former Finance Secretary Rajiv Kumar has been appointed as the new Election Commissioner, will replace Ashok Lavasa on August 31, the Law Ministry in a statement said.

In Pursuance of clause (2) of article 324 of the Constitution, the President is pleased to appoint Rajiv Kumar, IAS (Retd.) (JH:1984) as the Election Commissioner with effect from the date he assumes the office vice Ashok Lavasa, Election Commissioner who has resigned with effect from August 31, 2020.

Rajiv Kumar will replace Ashok Lavasa on August 31, the Law Ministry mentioned in a notification today. Earlier on August 18, Ashok



Lavasa, who was tipped to be the next in line to head the poll panel had resigned. Lavasa will join the Philippines-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) next month at the post of vice-president.

He has submitted his resignation to President Ram Nath Kovind and has requested to be relieved on August 31. The Asian Development Bank announced Lavasa's appointment on July 15.

"He has extensive experience in public-private partnerships and infrastructure development at the state and federal levels, with deep knowledge on public policy and the role of the private sector," ADB had said in a press statement.