IAS Anindita Mitra Appointed Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab: 2007 Batch Officer Brings Rich Administrative Experience to ECI Role
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has appointed Anindita Mitra, a 2007‑batch IAS officer of the Punjab cadre, as the new Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Punjab. Her appointment comes at a crucial juncture, aimed at strengthening the efficiency and transparency of electoral management in the state.
Transition in Leadership
Mitra succeeds Sibin C (IAS:2005:Odisha cadre), who has been deputed to the Centre as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The Punjab government had earlier submitted a panel of three officers—Anindita Mitra, Ramvir, and Sonali Giri—for consideration. After due evaluation, the ECI selected Mitra, and the state government subsequently issued the formal notification. She will relinquish her current assignments before assuming charge as CEO.
Profile of Anindita Mitra
Born on November 7, 1978, Mitra hails from Chhattisgarh and holds a B.E. in Computer Science from Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur. She is fluent in Bengali and English. Mitra is married to S. Karuna Raju (IAS:1998:PB), who himself previously served as Punjab’s Chief Electoral Officer.
Career Milestones
Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab (2026–Present): Newly appointed by the ECI.
Administrative Secretary, Punjab (2024–2025): Oversaw Higher Education & Languages, School Education, and Co‑operation portfolios.
Municipal Commissioner, Chandigarh (2021–2024): First regular IAS officer from Punjab cadre to hold this post; under her leadership, Chandigarh ranked 11th in Swachh Survekshan 2023 and won the “Safaimitra Surakshit Shehar” national award.
CEO, Chandigarh Smart City Limited: Directed smart city and urban development initiatives alongside her municipal commissioner role.
District Postings: Served as Deputy Commissioner in Nawanshahr and Hoshiarpur, and as Additional Deputy Commissioner in Patiala.
Notable Achievements
UPSC 2007: Secured 8th rank nationally and emerged as the woman topper of her batch.
Civic Transformation: Spearheaded 100% waste segregation and bioremediation of the Dadumajra landfill in Chandigarh, reflecting her commitment to sustainable urban governance.
Significance of Appointment
Mitra’s appointment as Punjab’s Chief Electoral Officer is seen as a strategic move to reinforce administrative preparedness ahead of upcoming electoral exercises. Her diverse experience in civic administration, smart city projects, and district governance equips her to manage the state’s electoral processes with efficiency, transparency, and innovation.
