The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially announced the appointment of key officials to oversee the conduct of the Vice-Presidential Election 2025, following the recent resignation of incumbent Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
In its statement released on Friday, the ECI confirmed the selection of PC Mody, Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha, as the Returning Officer for the upcoming election. The appointment was made with the consent of the Hon’ble Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and in consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice.
To assist in the process, Ms. Garima Jain, Joint Secretary, and Shri Vijay Kumar, Director at the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, have been appointed as Assistant Returning Officers.
As per convention, the role of Returning Officer alternates between the Secretary General of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The last Vice-Presidential election saw the Lok Sabha Secretary General take charge. This time, the responsibility shifts to the Upper House.
The Vice-Presidential election is conducted under Article 324 of the Constitution of India and is governed by the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952 and the corresponding rules of 1974.
The ECI is expected to release a Gazette Notification later in the day detailing the full schedule for the election