Thiruvananthapuram: IAS officer Dr D Sajith Babu has been appointed as Kerala’s new Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). He was serving as Special Secretary in the General Education Department.

His appointment fills the vacancy left by Dr Rathan Kelkar who has been appointed as the Chief Minister’s Secretary. 

The post of Chief Electoral Officer had been vacant in the state for the past two months. The Election Commission of India subsequently approved the recommendation submitted by the state government. 

Dr D Sajith Babu IAS holds a doctorate in agricultural science and has served in several key positions, including Kasaragod District Collector and State Mission Director of the National AYUSH Mission.

He has also served as Supplyco Commissioner, Special Secretary in the Animal Husbandry Department and Registrar of Cooperative Societies.

Sajith Babu earned his PhD in Agronomy from Kerala Agricultural University in 2010.

A native of Thiruvananthapuram, he was also shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration for his work as a district collector during the COVID-19 pandemic.