Chandigarh, January 15
Known for her impactful work in Chandigarh as Municipal Commissioner, seasoned administrator with a strong track record in urban governance, education and cooperative sectors, IAS officer Anindita Mitra (2007 batch, Punjab cadre) has been appointed as the new Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Punjab, replacing Sibin C. She was currently holding the charge of Administrative Secretary Higher Education & Languages, School Education and Managing Director, Punjab Infrastructure Development Board.
As per a notification issued in this regard by the Election Commission of India in consultation with the Government of Punjab, Anindita Mitra has been appointed CEO for the State of Punjab with effect from the date she takes over charge and until further orders in place of Sibin C.
The notification further reads, “Anindita Mitra shall cease to hold and hand over forthwith the charge of all or any charges of work under the Government of Punjab, which she may be holding before such assumption of office.” It has also been clarified in the notification that Anindita Mitra while functioning as the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab shall not hold any additional charge whatsoever under the Government of Punjab except that she should be designated Secretary to the Government in charge of Election Department in the State Secretariat.
Notably, Mitra hails from Chhattisgarh and entered the IAS through direct recruitment. Over the years she has held several important assignments in Punjab and Chandigarh, earning a reputation for her clarity, discipline and commitment to public service.
Mitra came into the spotlight during her tenure as Municipal Commissioner of Chandigarh, (2021–2024). She was the first regular IAS officer from Punjab to serve as Chandigarh MC Commissioner. During her tenure as the Chandigarh MC Commissioner, Mitra spearheaded sustainability and urban development initiatives. She focused on making Chandigarh a zero-waste city through initiatives based on Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (RRR). She also promoted community participation via self-help groups and sustainability projects.
In August 2024 her tenure in Chandigarh ended and she returned to her parent cadre in Punjab. She was subsequently appointed Secretary in the Department of Cooperation and Joint Secretary in the Department of Higher Education and Languages. Throughout her career, Mitra has been recognized for her transparent style of administration, her emphasis on sustainability and innovation and her ability to balance legal precision with practical governance. She is regarded as one of the more dynamic officers of her batch, combining administrative rigor with a vision for modern, participatory governance.
