ECI reverses IT chief autonomy decision with new oversight order

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a fresh order reasserting oversight of its IT leadership, marking a significant reversal of a previous decision that sought to streamline the department's autonomy. Under the new directive dated October 4, the Director-General of Information Technology, currently held by Asha Khanna, must now route all files concerning IT/ICT matters and grievance redressal mechanisms through Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Pawan Kumar Sharma. This requirement effectively restores hierarchical control that had been removed through an earlier order on July 28. The shift has reignited questions about governance structures within the election management body and the appropriate level of administrative oversight for technology operations. The recurring changes in reporting lines underscore ongoing deliberation within the ECI regarding how best to manage its critical digital infrastructure during an era of high-stakes electoral processes across India.