Election Commission names Ashutosh Kumar as first Seshan Chair visiting professor

NEW DELHI The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday named Prof. Ashutosh Kumar, of the poli

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday named Prof. Ashutosh Kumar, of the political science department of Panjab University, Chandigarh, as the first visiting professor to the T.N. Seshan Chair at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM).

The ECI had created the chair in honour of former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) T.N. Seshan for “interdisciplinary approach to electoral studies” at the IIIDEM’s Centre for Curriculum Development. The chair would be mentored by former CEC N. Gopalaswami, the ECI said.

Prof. Kumar had over 14 years of experience as professor in the political science department of Panjab University and was also the Lala Lajpat Rai Chair professor, it said.

“His areas of specialisation include electoral dynamics in Indian States. He has also conducted research on the subjects relating to problems of democratic transition and consolidation in developing countries…Appointment of Prof. Kumar will give impetus to the research activities at IIIDEM in the fields of electoral studies and election management. His contribution will also enhance and enrich development of curriculum for national and international trainings at IIIDEM,” the ECI said.