**Policy Summary: Appointment of Returning Officer and Assistant Returning Officers for the Vice-Presidential Election, 2025**
In accordance with Article 324 of the Constitution of India and Section 3 of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has appointed the Secretary General, Rajya Sabha, as the Returning Officer for the upcoming Vice-Presidential Election, 2025. This decision follows established convention, alternating the role between the Secretary General of the Lok Sabha and the Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha; the Secretary General of the Lok Sabha served as Returning Officer during the previous Vice-Presidential election. The appointment was made in consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice and with the consent of the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. To assist the Returning Officer, Ms. Garima Jain, Joint Secretary, Rajya Sabha Secretariat, and Shri Vijay Kumar, Director, Rajya Sabha Secretariat, have been appointed as Assistant Returning Officers. A formal Gazette Notification regarding these appointments is being issued separately. This action ensures the proper administration and execution of the Vice-Presidential Election, 2025, as mandated by law.
Key Entities Referenced
Election Commission of India: The constitutional body responsible for conducting elections in India, including the Vice Presidential election.
Vice President of India: The second-highest constitutional office in India, the election for which is the subject of this notification.
The Presidential and VicePresidential Elections Act, 1952: The primary legislation governing the election of the President and Vice President of India.
The Presidential and VicePresidential Elections Rules, 1974: The rules framed under the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, providing detailed procedures for the conduct of these elections.
New Delhi, Delhi: The location where the Returning Officer for the Vice Presidential election will have their office.
Rajya Sabha: The upper house of the Indian Parliament. The Secretary General of Rajya Sabha is appointed as Returning Officer.
Garima Jain: Joint Secretary, Rajya Sabha Secretariat, appointed as Assistant Returning Officer for the VicePresidential Election, 2025.
Vijay Kumar: Director, Rajya Sabha Secretariat, appointed as Assistant Returning Officer for the VicePresidential Election, 2025.
Election Commission
Vice-Presidential Election, 2025
ECI appoints Returning Officer and Assistant ROs
Posted On: 25 JUL 2025 11:28AM by PIB Delhi
1. The Election Commission of India, under Article 324, is mandated to conduct the election to the office
of the Vice President of India. The election to the office of the Vice President of India is governed by
The Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952 and the rules made thereunder, namely The
Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules, 1974.
2. Under Section 3 of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, the Election
Commission, in consultation with the Central Government, appoints a Returning Officer, who shall have
his office in New Delhi, and may also appoint one or more Assistant Returning Officers. As per
convention, either Secretary General, Lok Sabha or Secretary General, Rajya Sabha is appointed as
Returning Officer by rotation. During the last Vice-Presidential election, the Secretary General of the
Lok Sabha was appointed as the Returning Officer.
3. Therefore, the Election Commission, in consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice and with the
consent of the Hon’ble Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, has appointed the Secretary General, Rajya
Sabha as Returning Officer for ensuing Vice-Presidential Election, 2025.
4. The Election Commission of India has also appointed Ms. Garima Jain, Joint Secretary, Rajya Sabha
Secretariat and Shri Vijay Kumar, Director, Rajya Sabha Secretariat as Assistant Returning Officers
during the course of Vice-Presidential Election, 2025.
5. The requisite Gazette Notification is being issued separately today.
******
PK/GDH/RP
(Release ID: 2148206)