Election Commissioner Achal Kumar Jyoti, a 1975 batch IAS officer, is all set to take over as new Chief Election Commissioner of India. Jyoti will take over the charge from Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi, who will retire on July 8. Jyoti had earlier worked at various capacities including the post of Chief Secretary of Gujarat from January 1, 2010 to January 31, 2013 when Narendra Modi was Chief Minister of the State. Jyoti had joined the Election Commission on May 7, 2015.
Sources in the Election Commission confirmed that Jyoti would be new CEC after Zaidi's retirement.
Jyoti, 64, retired from active service in 2013. Born on January 23, 1953, Jyoti will need to step down from the post of Chief Election Commissioner when he will turn 65, as per laid down rules. An EC or CEC has a tenure of six years in the office or till he or she attains the age of 65 years whichever is earlier.
Jyoti served as the Chairman of the Kandla Port Trust between 1999 and 2004 and as the Managing Director of the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam ltd (SSNNl). He has also worked as Secretary in the Industry, Revenue and Water Supply Departments.