NEWS: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) appointed IAS officer Prakash Rajpurohit as Deputy Election Commissioner (DEC) in the Election Commission of India (ECI).

APPOINTMENT PROCESS

• Appointments are processed under the Central Staffing Scheme (CSS).
• DoPT prepares the offer list in consultation with state governments and cadre-controlling authorities.
• The Civil Services Board (CSB) screens candidates and recommends panels.
• Final approval: ACC, headed by the Prime Minister.

KEY FUNCTIONS

• Supervise electoral rolls and their revision.
• Oversee IT systems such as ERONET and voter services.
• Coordinate election planning, Model Code of Conduct implementation and poll personnel training.
• Manage administration, finance, legal matters and logistics.
• Coordinate with State Chief Electoral Officers and other agencies.

SIGNIFICANCE

• Supports the ECI in conducting free, fair and efficient elections.
• Strengthens coordination and operational management of electoral processes.