Harishankar Brahma - A Trailblazer From Assam In Indian Electoral History

Harishankar Brahma, a distinguished figure in Indian civil services, holds the notable distinction of being the first Election Commissioner of India from Assam and the second from the North-East region. His tenure reflected dedication, impartiality, and a commitment to strengthening the democratic framework of the country.

Harishankar Brahma (born 19 April 1950) served as the 19th Chief Election Commissioner of India. He is a retired I.A.S. officer of the 1975 batch of the Andhra Pradesh cadre. Brahma, who retired as the Union Power Secretary in April 2010, held office till 18 April 2015. He is the second person from North-East India to become an Election Commissioner, after J. M. Lyngdoh.

Born in Gosaigaon, Assam, Harishankar Brahma hails from the Bodo community. He pursued his education at prestigious institutions before joining the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in 1975, where he was allotted to the Andhra Pradesh cadre. His administrative expertise and leadership skills earned him key positions in the government, including Secretary in the Ministry of Power and Secretary in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

In 2010, Harishankar Brahma was appointed as the Election Commissioner of India, and later in January 2015, he took charge as the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). During his tenure, he focused on fair election practices, technological improvements in voting systems, and increasing voter participation across the nation.

His contributions have left a lasting legacy in Indian electoral reforms, inspiring future leaders from the North-East to take up prominent roles in national governance.