Altaf Hussain
Jammu, May 30, 2025:-the Election Commission of India has appointed Sanjeev Verma, a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 2001 batch, as the new Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jammu and Kashmir. Verma, who belongs to the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre, brings with him over two decades of rich administrative experience and a track record of dedicated public service across key departments.
Currently serving as the Commissioner Secretary of the Social Welfare Department, Mr. Verma has made significant contributions to policy implementation and welfare initiatives across the Union Territory. His appointment as the CEO comes at a crucial juncture as Jammu and Kashmir continues its efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and enhance voter participation in the region.
Prior to his current role, Mr. Verma held several important positions in the administration of Jammu and Kashmir. He served as the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu, where he was instrumental in coordinating developmental activities, disaster management, and public grievance redressal mechanisms across the Jammu division. His tenure was marked a people-centric approach and efficient handling of multiple administrative challenges.
He also served as the Commissioner Secretary in the General Administration Department (GAD), where he was involved in key administrative reforms and policy coordination at the highest levels of governance in the Union Territory.
Known for his professionalism, commitment to transparency, and inclusive governance, Mr. Verma has consistently prioritized public welfare and administrative efficiency in all his assignments. His experience in handling large-scale operations, his deep understanding of the regional dynamics of Jammu and Kashmir, and his administrative acumen make him a fitting choice to oversee the electoral processes in the Union Territory.
As the Chief Electoral Officer, Mr. Verma will be entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections in Jammu and Kashmir. His duties will include the supervision of the electoral rolls, coordination with the Election Commission of India, monitoring of Model Code of Conduct implementation, and facilitation of voter awareness campaigns to boost democratic participation.
His appointment also assumes significance as the Union Territory gears up for upcoming electoral processes, with an emphasis on improving voter turnout, especially in remote and sensitive areas. Observers believe that under his leadership, the electoral machinery in Jammu and Kashmir will benefit from renewed focus and organizational excellence.
The government and the Election Commission have expressed confidence in Mr. Verma’s ability to carry out his responsibilities with integrity and diligence, ensuring that the democratic process in the region remains robust and inclusive.
