New Election Commissioner Appointed Ahead of Lok Sabha Elections : 15 Mar 2024

Why in News:

• Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu were recently appointed as Election Commissioners.

Constitutional Basis for Appointments:

Article 324:

• It vests the Election Commission with  the power of superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all elections to Parliament, to the Legislatures of every State, and to the offices of President and Vice-President. 

Current Appointment Mechanism:

• The appointments are being done as per the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.
• Appointments are made by the President based on recommendations from a Selection Committee comprising the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha.

Selection Process:

• A Search Committee led by the Law Minister suggests candidates to the Selection Committee.

Eligibility and Compensation:

• Eligibility includes having served at a level equivalent to a Secretary to the Government of India.
• Compensation for CEC and ECs is on par with the Cabinet Secretary’s salary.