New Delhi: Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Manohar Singh Gill passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at a south Delhi hospital after a brief illness. He was 86 years old.
Gill was a distinguished Indian bureaucrat and politician who served as the CEC from December 1996 to June 2001. He was known for his integrity, impartiality, and commitment to conducting free and fair elections. The Election Commission of Indiamournedhis death and tweeted about him.
During his tenure as CEC, Gill oversaw several important reforms to the electoral process, including the introduction of electronic voting machines (EVMs), the use of identity cards for voters, and the increased transparency of election financing. He also played a key role in conducting the 1998 general elections, which were widely regarded as the most peaceful and impartial in India’s history.
After retiring from the Election Commission, Gill entered politics and served as a Union Minister in the Manmohan Singh government from 2008 to 2014. He was also a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2008 to 2016.
Gill was a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India, for his services to the nation. He was also awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service in 2001.
Gill’s death is a loss to the nation. He was a true statesman who dedicated his life to public service. He will be remembered for his contributions to the strengthening of democracy in India.
Gill’s legacy as CEC is profound. He is credited with transforming the Election Commission into a truly independent and autonomous body. He also oversaw the introduction of a number of important reforms, such as the use of EVMs, voter ID cards, and increased transparency in election financing. These reforms have made the Indian electoral process more efficient, transparent, and credible.
Gill was also a strong advocate for electoral literacy and voter participation. He believed that it was important for every citizen to exercise their right to vote. He also emphasized the need for women and marginalized groups to be adequately represented in the electoral process.
Gill’s contributions to democracy in India go beyond his work as CEC. He was also a vocal critic of corruption and communalism. He believed that these forces were a threat to the country’s democracy and social fabric.