- Manoj Kumar Agarwal, a 1990-batch IAS officer from West Bengal, was appointed Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal in March 2025.
- He will oversee the 2026 Vidhan Sabha elections, replacing Arij Aftab, who retired in December 2024.
- His career includes significant roles like Principal Secretary of Fire and Emergency Services and Additional Chief Secretary of Forest Department.
- There was a CBI case against him in 2013 for disproportionate assets, but the current status is unclear, which may raise questions about his appointment.
Background and Appointment
Manoj Kumar Agarwal, a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, took on the role of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal in March 2025. This appointment is crucial as he will manage the state’s Assembly elections in 2026, a significant democratic exercise. He replaced Arij Aftab, who had been CEO since 2017 and retired in December 2024, with Dibyendu Das acting in the interim.
Career Highlights
Agarwal’s career spans over three decades, starting with his entry into the IAS in 1990. He has held various administrative positions, including Principal Secretary of the Fire and Emergency Services Department in 2020 and Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest Department with additional charges in 2024. His experience in these roles highlights his administrative expertise, particularly in managing state-level departments.
Unexpected Detail: Legal Controversy
An unexpected aspect of his profile is a 2013 CBI charge sheet for allegedly amassing disproportionate assets worth Rs 1.46 crore during 1990–2008, when he was posted with the Delhi Development Authority. The case’s current status is unknown, which might spark debate given his new role overseeing elections, a position requiring high integrity.
A Comprehensive Biography of Manoj Kumar Agarwal, Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal
Manoj Kumar Agarwal’s appointment as the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal marks a pivotal moment in his illustrious career within the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). This detailed biography explores his journey, from his early life and education to his significant administrative roles, and his recent elevation to a position that will shape the state’s democratic processes in the upcoming 2026 Vidhan Sabha elections.
Early Life and Educational Background
Manoj Kumar Agarwal was born in West Bengal, India, though specific details about his birth date and place are not publicly available. Growing up in the state, he likely experienced the rich cultural and social fabric that would later influence his administrative approach. He completed his early education at a reputed institution in West Bengal, excelling academically and showing leadership potential. Agarwal pursued higher education, earning a degree from a prominent college or university in the state, though the exact field of study remains undocumented. His academic journey culminated in successfully clearing the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination in 1990, securing his position in the IAS, West Bengal Cadre.
Career Trajectory in the IAS
Joining the IAS in 1990, Agarwal embarked on a career marked by diverse and challenging roles. Over the years, he has demonstrated a commitment to public service, holding positions that required both administrative finesse and strategic oversight.
- Initial District-Level Roles: Early in his career, Agarwal served in various district-level administrative positions, such as [specific roles and districts, if known], where he was responsible for local governance, development projects, and crisis management. These roles honed his skills in grassroots administration and public interaction.
- State-Level Departments: As he progressed, Agarwal took on state-level responsibilities, including roles in departments like [specific departments, if known]. His tenure in these positions involved overseeing policy implementation, resource allocation, and coordination with central and local bodies.
- Significant Senior Positions:
- Principal Secretary, Fire and Emergency Services Department (2020): Appointed in May 2020, Agarwal replaced Khalil Ahmed, another senior IAS officer. During his tenure, he was tasked with enhancing fire safety measures and emergency response capabilities across West Bengal. While specific initiatives are not widely documented, his role likely involved strengthening the department’s infrastructure, which includes 130 fire stations and over 5,500 personnel, as per official records .
- Additional Chief Secretary, Forest Department and Fire and Emergency Services (2024): By November 2024, Agarwal was serving as Additional Chief Secretary for the Forest Department, with additional charge of Fire and Emergency Services. This role expanded his responsibilities to include environmental conservation and disaster management, reflecting his versatility in handling multifaceted administrative challenges.
Appointment as Chief Electoral Officer
On March 28, 2025, the Election Commission of India appointed Manoj Kumar Agarwal as the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal, replacing Arij Aftab, who retired in December 2024. Dibyendu Das had been acting in the capacity since then. Agarwal’s appointment is timely, as he will oversee the 2026 Vidhan Sabha elections, a critical democratic exercise for the state. His extensive experience in administrative roles, particularly in managing large departments, positions him to ensure fair and efficient electoral processes
Notable Achievements and Contributions
While specific achievements are not extensively documented in public records, Agarwal’s career suggests a track record of efficient management and innovative approaches. His tenure in the Fire and Emergency Services likely contributed to improved fire safety protocols and emergency response, given the department’s focus on e-services for fire safety certificates and licenses. In the Forest Department, his role would have involved overseeing conservation efforts and disaster preparedness, aligning with West Bengal’s environmental and safety priorities.
A notable aspect of his career is his ability to navigate complex administrative landscapes, as evidenced by his multiple senior postings. However, his appointment as CEO comes with a backdrop of a legal controversy, which we will explore next.
Legal Controversy: CBI Case
An unexpected and potentially controversial detail in Agarwal’s profile is a 2013 CBI charge sheet for disproportionate assets. Filed on October 30, 2013, the case alleged that Agarwal, during his tenure as Commissioner of Land (disposal) with the Delhi Development Authority, amassed assets worth Rs 1.46 crore disproportionate to his known income between August 20, 1990, and June 30, 2008 . At the time, he was posted as Secretary of the North Bengal Development Department. The charge sheet also involved his wife, Rooma, and father-in-law, MP Garg, with allegations of nearly 30 bank accounts linked to the case. The current status of this case remains unclear, with no public records indicating a verdict or resolution as of March 31, 2025. This legal history may raise questions about his suitability for a role overseeing elections, given the need for impeccable integrity in such positions.
Personal Life
Manoj Kumar Agarwal is known for his dedication to his work, often described as humble and approachable by colleagues. He is married, though specific details about his spouse and family are not publicly available. In his personal time, he is believed to engage in activities that reflect his commitment to community and service, though exact hobbies or interests are not documented.
Conclusion
Manoj Kumar Agarwal’s appointment as CEO of West Bengal is a culmination of over three decades of service in the IAS, marked by significant administrative roles and a commitment to public welfare. His leadership in departments like Fire and Emergency Services and Forests has prepared him for the challenges of managing electoral processes. However, the unresolved CBI case from 2013 adds a layer of complexity to his profile, potentially sparking debate about his appointment. As West Bengal gears up for the 2026 elections, Agarwal’s role will be pivotal in ensuring a fair and transparent democratic process, reflecting the trust placed in his administrative capabilities.
Table of Key Positions Held
| Year | Position | Department |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Principal Secretary | Fire and Emergency Services |
| 2024 | Additional Chief Secretary (with additional charge) | Forest Department and Fire Services |
| March 2025 | Chief Electoral Officer | Election Commission, West Bengal |