Sunil Arora

Sunil Arora is a retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Rajasthan cadre, widely recognised for his tenure as the 23rd Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India. Known for his leadership in electoral reform, digital innovation, and inclusive governance, Arora played a key role in modernising India’s electoral management system. His work reflected a strong commitment to transparency, accessibility, and institutional efficiency in the functioning of the Election Commission of India.

Early Life and Education

Sunil Arora was born on 13 April 1956 in Hoshiarpur, Punjab. He completed his Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Master of Arts degrees in English Literature from Panjab University, Chandigarh. Before joining the civil services, he briefly worked as an associate professor in Jalandhar. His background in academia provided him with a foundation in analytical thinking and public communication, which later influenced his administrative and leadership style.

Entry into Civil Service

Sunil Arora joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1980, allotted to the Rajasthan cadre. His administrative career spanned over four decades, during which he held several significant roles at both state and central government levels. His postings reflected a combination of field experience, developmental work, and policy formulation.
At the state level, Arora served as District Magistrate and Collector in multiple districts, gaining practical insight into public administration and local governance. He later held senior positions such as Principal Secretary in departments including Home, Industries, and Investment, where he was instrumental in improving administrative efficiency and fostering economic initiatives within the state.

Central Government Roles

In the Government of India, Sunil Arora held several high-ranking positions across ministries that demanded both managerial expertise and policy innovation. He served as the Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, where he oversaw media policy, regulatory frameworks, and public communication initiatives. Subsequently, as Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, he focused on enhancing vocational training, skill certification, and industry partnerships to support India’s youth employment objectives.
Through these roles, Arora established a reputation for being an effective administrator with a strong command of institutional coordination and reform execution.

Tenure in the Election Commission of India

Sunil Arora joined the Election Commission of India (ECI) as Election Commissioner on 1 September 2017. He was appointed as the Chief Election Commissioner on 2 December 2018, serving until 12 April 2021. His tenure covered one of the most extensive electoral cycles in Indian history, including the 2019 General Elections and several major state elections.
Under his leadership, the Election Commission introduced several measures to strengthen the credibility, efficiency, and inclusivity of the electoral process. His administration emphasised the use of technology, transparency in election procedures, and increased accessibility for all categories of voters.

Major Contributions and Reforms

• Electoral Inclusivity: Arora spearheaded initiatives to ensure wider voter participation, especially among women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and marginalised communities.
• Technological Innovation: His tenure witnessed the adoption of digital tools for voter registration, electoral monitoring, and public feedback. The introduction of mobile applications enabled citizens to report violations of the Model Code of Conduct in real time.
• Voter Awareness and Education: He launched campaigns under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme, which sought to increase civic awareness and reduce urban voter apathy.
• Accessibility Measures: The Commission expanded postal ballot facilities and relocated polling booths to more convenient and accessible locations, improving participation among vulnerable sections of society.
• International Cooperation: As Chairperson of the Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB), Arora strengthened India’s global engagement in election management, promoting best practices and knowledge sharing.

Leadership Philosophy

Sunil Arora’s leadership reflected a balanced approach between administrative tradition and modern reform. He viewed electoral governance not merely as a logistical exercise but as a cornerstone of democratic integrity. His emphasis on technology-driven transparency and citizen participation demonstrated his belief that institutions must evolve with changing times.
Colleagues and observers often noted his calm demeanour, analytical reasoning, and capacity to build consensus across diverse administrative and political stakeholders. His administrative style was marked by meticulous planning and adherence to procedural fairness.

Challenges and Institutional Complexities

Despite the progress achieved, Arora’s tenure also faced the inherent challenges of managing elections in the world’s largest democracy. Coordinating logistics across vast geographic and social diversity required continuous innovation and adaptation. The Election Commission had to address issues such as voter misinformation, technological reliability, and public scrutiny regarding neutrality and enforcement of electoral laws.
These challenges underscored the complexity of maintaining institutional integrity while upholding public confidence in the democratic process.

Post-Retirement Engagements

After retiring from the Election Commission in 2021, Sunil Arora continued to contribute to the field of democratic governance. He was appointed to the Board of Advisers at the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), an intergovernmental organisation that supports sustainable democracy worldwide. His experience in electoral reform and public administration continues to influence discussions on institutional strengthening and democratic participation.

Legacy and Significance

Sunil Arora’s career embodies the evolution of an Indian civil servant committed to governance reform and democratic excellence. As Chief Election Commissioner, he guided the Election Commission through a period of transition, reinforcing its credibility through transparency, technology, and inclusivity. His initiatives to modernise electoral administration set benchmarks for future reforms in electoral management both in India and internationally.