Itanagar, August 3: Arunachal Pradesh State Election Commissioner (SEC) Hage Kojeen, IAS (Retd) has demitted office on Wednesday after completing his five-year tenure.
Apart from revision of electoral roll, publication of commemorative compendium as a part of celebration of two decades of the State Election Commission, the major achievements during his term as SEC included delimitation of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Municipalities, holding of Regional Sub-Committee meeting of All India State Election Commissioners at Tawang, and ‘successful’ conduct of general elections and by-elections to the local bodies despite many challenges like Covid-19 pandemic.
In separate letters to the Governor and the Chief Minister, Kojeen conveyed his gratitude to them for their support and cooperation in discharge of mandated duties. He also recommended amendment of the Arunachal Pradesh Panchayat Raj Act, 1997 to do away with various shortcomings faced by the Commission for smooth conduct of local bodies’ elections in future.
The recommendations included the provision of oath of office and allegiance to the Constitution of India on appointment of new State Election Commissioner, provision of election observers, ceiling on election expenses by candidates, NOTA, provision for ex-gratia compensation in case of death or injury of the election officials on duty, etc.
Meanwhile, CM Khandu has felicitated Kojeen on his retirement from the post of State Election Commissioner and successful completion of general elections & by-elections to the PRIs. While bidding farewell Khandu conveyed his appreciation and thanks to Kojeen for his outstanding services to the people of the State. The officers and staff of the State Election Commission also accorded him a warm farewell.
