Disposing of a complaint of Maharashtra Congress leader Sachin Sawant questioning procedures for appointment of State Chief Electoral Officer Baldev Singh in 2019, the Election Commission (EC) on Friday said no action is needed in the matter as the appointment was done after consultation with the State Government. “Singh had been rated outstanding in his performance appraisal records during the five years of his service prior to his appointment,” the EC said.
“The Commission having duly considered the matter, does not find any reason for taking any action in the matter. The CEO’s appointment is done in consultation with the concerned state government/union terriotory wherein a panel of officers is furnished to the poll body,” the EC said in a letter addressed to Sawant.
The EC further said that Baldev Singh, a 1989 batch IAS officer of Maharashtra cadre was appointed by the Commission following due procedure wherein the State Government had clarified that he was clear from the vigilance angle and as per records, he had been rated outstanding in his performance appraisal reports during the five years of his service prior to his appointment as CEO, Maharashtra.
Sawant has alleged that Singh was facing an inquiry initiated by CVC and the ministry of industry and commerce in an alleged irregularity in SEEPZ SEZ. Sawant questioned why the credentials of the CEO were not cross-checked while appointing him to the post and whether the Election Commission of India was working under pressure of the Bharatiya Janata Party.