Shantmanu Appointed as State Election Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu, February 17, 2026 — In a significant administrative move, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir has officially appointed Shantmanu (IAS Retd.) as the State Election Commissioner for the Union territory.

The appointment was formalised through a notification issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), Civil Secretariat, marking a key transition in the region’s electoral leadership.​The order, issued under S.O 42, was made in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (3) of section 36 of the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989.

According to the official directive, Shantmanu will hold the prestigious position for a term of five years or until he reaches the age of seventy years, whichever is earlier. His tenure will officially begin on the date he assumes charge of the office.​The notification, signed by M. Raju (IAS), Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, states that the specific terms and conditions of the appointment will be notified by the Government subsequently.