Braj Raj Sharma, a 1984 batch IAS officer, was sworn in as the State Election Commissioner (SEC) for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. The oath of office was administered by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at a ceremony held at Raj Bhawan.
Sharma has served in various capacities in the Jammu and Kashmir government, including as Chief Secretary from 2015 to 2017. He has also served as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India.
Sharma’s predecessor, K.K. Sharma, completed his term as SEC on February 1, 2023. The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir issued the appointment orders of Sharma as SEC on July 15, 2023.
The order states that Sharma shall hold the position of SEC until he attains the age of 65.
In his address at the swearing-in ceremony, Sinha said that Sharma’s appointment is a “significant step” in the further strengthening of the electoral process in Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed confidence that Sharma will discharge his duties with utmost fairness and impartiality.
Sharma thanked the Lieutenant Governor for the appointment and assured him that he will uphold the highest standards of conduct and integrity in the discharge of his duties.
He also expressed his commitment to ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
