Jammu & Kashmir Appoints Shantmanu as State Election Commissioner; ACC Extends Prabhat Kumar’s Tenure as Jharkhand DCO/DCR Till 2027
In significant administrative decisions impacting electoral governance and population administration, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has appointed former IAS officer Shantmanu as the State Election Commissioner (SEC) of the Union Territory, while the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved an extension in the central deputation tenure of IAS officer Prabhat Kumar in Jharkhand.
Both orders were formally issued on February 17, 2026, marking important developments in institutional continuity across two key governance domains.
Shantmanu Appointed as State Election Commissioner of Jammu & Kashmir
The administration of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has named Shantmanu (IAS: 1991: AGMUT) as the new State Election Commissioner (SEC). He assumes office following the completion of the tenure of B R Sharma, who had been serving in the position since July 20, 2023.
The appointment received formal approval from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. The decision was taken under sub-section (3) of Section 36 of the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989, which governs the appointment and functioning of the State Election Commissioner in the Union Territory.
With this appointment, the administration has ensured the uninterrupted functioning of the constitutional authority responsible for overseeing grassroots electoral processes.
Mandate and Responsibilities of the State Election Commission
Under the statutory framework regulating local governance in Jammu and Kashmir, the State Election Commission plays a pivotal role in safeguarding democratic processes at the grassroots level. Its core responsibilities include:
Preparation, maintenance, and revision of electoral rolls for local bodies
Conduct of elections to Panchayati Raj Institutions
Supervision and oversight of elections to municipal bodies
The office is central to maintaining transparency, fairness, and credibility in local self-governance elections. Shantmanu’s appointment is expected to provide administrative stability and continuity in managing electoral processes across rural and urban local bodies in the Union Territory.
Personal and Professional Background of Shantmanu
Shantmanu was born on December 28, 1965, and is domiciled in Bihar. He is an alumnus of Hansraj College, University of Delhi. Proficient in both English and Hindi, he brings with him over three decades of administrative experience.
He superannuated from active IAS service on December 31, 2025, prior to assuming this constitutional position. As per applicable rules governing the office of the State Election Commissioner, he will serve for a tenure of five years or until attaining the age of 70 years, whichever occurs earlier.
Distinguished Career Highlights
During his extensive career, Shantmanu held several senior-level assignments in both Jammu and Kashmir and at the Central Government level. His key positions have included:
Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Higher Education Department, Jammu and Kashmir
Administrative Secretary, Information Technology Department (holding additional charge)
Secretary, Inter-State Council Secretariat under the Ministry of Home Affairs
Additional Secretary, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
Chief Vigilance Officer, National Textiles Corporation Ltd
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Jammu and Kashmir (from June 2015)
Commissioner/Secretary, Forest Department (2009)
He has been particularly recognized for his work in promoting digital governance initiatives and strengthening higher education infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. His prior experience as Chief Electoral Officer further adds to his institutional familiarity with electoral administration in the region.
ACC Extends Prabhat Kumar’s Tenure as DCO and DCR, Jharkhand
In a separate but equally significant development, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the extension of the central deputation tenure of Prabhat Kumar (IAS: 2011: Jharkhand cadre) as Director of Census Operations (DCO) and Director of Citizen Registration (DCR), Jharkhand.
According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), his deputation has now been extended until October 9, 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Detailed Timeline of Prabhat Kumar’s Tenure
Prabhat Kumar initially assumed charge as Director of Census Operations and Director of Citizen Registration in Jharkhand on October 10, 2022.
His tenure progression is as follows:
Assumed office: October 10, 2022
Original tenure: Up to December 31, 2025
First extension: Up to March 31, 2026
Latest extension: Up to October 9, 2027
With the latest approval granted by the ACC, his total central deputation tenure will complete a full five-year term ending in October 2027, thereby ensuring long-term administrative continuity in census and citizen registration functions in the state.
Significance of the Appointments
The appointment of Shantmanu as State Election Commissioner and the extension of Prabhat Kumar’s tenure reflect a broader emphasis on maintaining stability in critical governance institutions.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the State Election Commission plays a foundational role in sustaining local democracy through Panchayati Raj and municipal elections. Ensuring continuity in this office is vital, particularly in a Union Territory with evolving administrative and electoral requirements.
Similarly, in Jharkhand, the offices of Director of Census Operations and Director of Citizen Registration are crucial for managing population data, implementing census-related activities, and overseeing citizen registration frameworks. Given the importance of accurate demographic data for policy formulation and governance planning, continuity in leadership at this level carries considerable administrative significance.
Together, these decisions reinforce the Centre’s focus on strengthening institutional mechanisms that underpin democratic processes and population administration across states and Union Territories.
