SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has formally notified the service terms for the State Election Commissioner, appointing Shantmanu, a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, to the position. The notification establishes the framework for the tenure, responsibilities, and entitlements of the official overseeing electoral processes at the Union Territory level.
Appointment and Tenure Details
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the order, issued by the General Administration Department from the Civil Secretariat, specifies that Shantmanu will serve a term of five years from the date he assumes office. Alternatively, his tenure will conclude upon attaining the age of 67 years, whichever event occurs first. The appointment is made under Section 36A of the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, in conjunction with a prior notification dated February 17, 2026.
The notification further outlines the conditions under which the tenure can be terminated. Shantmanu has the provision to resign from his post by submitting his resignation to the Lieutenant Governor. He can also be removed from office in accordance with the procedures laid out in Section 36B of the aforementioned Act.
Compensation and Entitlements
In terms of remuneration, the State Election Commissioner will receive a salary equivalent to the last pay drawn at the time of his retirement. This amount will be adjusted against any pensionary benefits he is entitled to, along with any applicable dearness allowance. This provision aims to ensure continuity in financial benefits while serving in the constitutional role.
Furthermore, the notification clarifies that the State Election Commissioner will be entitled to a comprehensive package of allowances and facilities. These include provisions for travel, residential accommodation, medical benefits, leave entitlements, and telephone charges. The scope and extent of these benefits are to be provided on par with those admissible to him at the time of his retirement from his previous service as an IAS officer.
The appointment of a State Election Commissioner is a significant step in strengthening the institutional framework for conducting local body elections in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring a dedicated and independent authority to oversee the democratic process at the grassroots level.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
